Barnardo’s is closing several charity shop branches across the UK, with staff and customers expressing sadness as stores shut their doors due to high street pressures and the cost-of-living crisis
Children’s charity Barnardo’s is grappling with rising costs and declining customer expenditure, resulting in the closure of numerous outlets.
Clearance sales have been rolled out across many branches affected by the shutdowns, with the Newton Aycliffe, Durham, location shutting yesterday.
The Kirkham, Lancashire, shop will close permanently on Friday, May 15.
Its outlet at Central Six Retail Park in Coventry will be shutting at the end of May, while its Bishop’s Stortford branch has confirmed it will be closing on May 24, reports Birmingham Live.
Barnardo’s managing director Mark Gregory said: “In the last few years, there have 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.
“As well as this, 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 their 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’re 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.”
On 2 May, its Chippenham store closed its doors for good, prompting one customer to lament: “So, so sad, best charity shop around with the best friendly staff, will be very much missed.”
Another chimed in: “I’m gutted it’s closed down, the community will miss you”.
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