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Cancer Research UK to Close Two Wirral Shops as Part of Strategic Review

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cancer Research UK is to close two of its Wirral shops as part of a comprehensive strategic review. The charity's stores on Borough Pavement in Birkenhead and Hoylake Road in Moreton are among the 90 set to shut by May 2026, followed by up to 100 more by April 2027. This decision is a result of rising costs, inflationary pressures, and changing consumer habits, including higher national insurance contributions, reduced footfall on the high street, and increasing competition from online resale platforms. The charity aims to reshape its retail business to include 320 high-performing high street shops over two years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cancer Research UK will close two Wirral shops as part of a strategic review, with 90 shops to shut by May 2026 and up to 100 more by April 2027.
  • The decision is attributed to rising costs, inflationary pressures, and changing consumer habits, including higher national insurance contributions and reduced footfall on the high street.
  • The charity will reshape its retail business to include 320 high-performing high street shops over two years, focusing on delivering a smaller, high-performing network of shops that raise more money for life-saving cancer research.
  • Cancer Research UK will grow its network of out-of-town superstores, with 12 new stores set to open, and close its online marketplace in early 2026.
  • The charity expects to see an increase in financial contribution of approximately £12.4m over the next five years, allowing for more money to be invested in life-saving cancer research.
  • Cancer Research UK spent £403m on new and ongoing research during the 2024-2025 financial year, £4m more than the previous year, and is on track to exceed its commitment to spend at least £1.5bn on research during the five-year period 2021/22 to 2025/26.

Statistics:

  • 90 Cancer Research UK shops will close by May 2026.
  • Up to 100 additional Cancer Research UK shops will close by April 2027.
  • The charity will maintain a network of 320 high-performing high street shops over two years.
  • Cancer Research UK will open 12 new out-of-town superstores.
  • The charity will close its online marketplace in early 2026.
  • The expected increase in financial contribution to be made available for life-saving cancer research over the next five years is approximately £12.4m.
  • Cancer Research UK spent £403m on new and ongoing research during the 2024-2025 financial year.
  • Cancer Research UK is on track to exceed its commitment to spend at least £1.5bn on research during the five-year period 2021/22 to 2025/26.

Sources:

  • Cancer Research UK statement
  • Cancer Research UK, "Cancer Research UK to close two Wirral shops as part of strategic review"
  • [No additional sources were provided in the original text.]

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