- Major charities (British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK) and smaller groups are closing hundreds of charity shops as soaring wage bills, energy costs and changing shopping habits squeeze incomes.
- Charities warn lost shop income could directly reduce frontline services and jobs—many are already leaving roles unfilled to save money.
- Shoppers say they'd miss the stores; charities are trying cost-saving fixes (clearance rails, up‑cycling volunteers) while online resale apps like Vinted and Depop add competition.
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