A major UK charity shop chain that has more than 500 stores nationwide has announced it will be closing more of its doors for good.
Barnado’s, which operates more than 500 stores UK-wide, is shutting more stores this month, following a series of closures across the country.
Some branches have already shut their doors, while others have launched 50% off closing sales.
The Kirkham store in Lancashire is the latest store to shut up shop, after it closed for good on Friday, May 15.
It follows the Chippenham store that shut down on Saturday, May 2.
Barnado’s has confirmed that the Bishop’s Stortford branch will also be closing on Sunday, May 24 with Central Six Retail Park in Coventry expected to close its doors by the end of May too.
Factors behind the closures include the growing popularity of online resale platforms, rising costs and weaker consumer spending.
Mark Gregory, Managing Director of Barnardo’s Trading Company, said the rise in online place selling pre-loved clothing is having an impact on charity shops’ income.
Mark said: “In the last few years, there’s been huge challenges for the UK high street, including increased operating costs for shops and reduced consumer spending, related to the economy and the cost-of-living crisis.
“The rise in online platforms selling pre-loved clothing has impacted on the income of charity shops.
“Our shops provide vital income for our work with children, young people and families across the UK.
“We regularly review performance and, where stores are not generating a positive contribution that we can invest in our work to change childhoods and change lives, then we have to make the difficult decision to close them.
“We are extremely grateful to all the wonderful colleagues who work in our shops, and especially to our incredible volunteers, to members of the public who make generous donations, and to everyone who shops with us whether on your local high street or online.”
