Scope Shuts 77 Shops – A Sector in Crisis?

In a significant and sobering move, disability equality charity Scope has announced the planned closure of 77 of its 138 charity shops—a staggering 56% of its retail footprint. This decision, reported by multiple outlets including The Express, marks a pivotal moment for the charity retail sector and sends a strong message about the mounting pressures on the UK’s high streets.

Why is Scope closing over half its shops?

Scope’s leadership points to a combination of factors: declining footfall, soaring operating costs, and the reality that many shops are no longer financially viable—even when factoring in volunteer efforts and community support.

The closures will happen in phases over the next 18 months:

• 41 stores will shut by March 2025
• Another 31 will close between April 2025 and March 2026
• The final 5 will close as leases end or break clauses are reached

Chief Executive Mark Hodgkinson explained that, despite the dedication of teams and volunteers, the overall retail operation has been losing money. It’s a hard decision, but one Scope says is essential to protect its long-term mission.

The bigger picture: A charity retail sector under strain

Scope is not alone. Many charities are being squeezed by a perfect storm of challenges:

• High rents and rising energy bills make it harder to break even.
• Staff wage increases—while important and deserved—add financial pressure.
• More shoppers are going online, and fewer are browsing high streets.

Even with the growth of resale platforms and digital innovation, physical charity shops remain a vital part of local life. But without foot traffic and financial sustainability, many are becoming unsustainable.

Why these closures matter

Charity shops do far more than raise funds—they’re:

• Hubs of community connection and inclusion
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities for thousands, including disabled people and those facing barriers to employment
• Champions of sustainability, helping reduce waste through reuse
• Essential fundraisers, providing unrestricted income that charities can use flexibly

Losing 77 Scope shops means more than just shuttered storefronts. It’s a loss of local presence, inclusive jobs, and grassroots visibility for a charity working to drive disability equality across the UK.

What can we do?

We may not be able to reverse closures, but we can support the future of charity retail:

🛍️ Shop second-hand – in-store or online via platforms like eBay or Vinted
🎁 Donate quality items – clean, usable goods help shops thrive
⏰ Volunteer your time – even a few hours can keep a shop going
📣 Advocate locally – push for fair rents and support for charity tenants

Charity retail is changing—but it doesn’t have to disappear. With creativity, community backing, and policy support, we can help it evolve.

Final thoughts

Scope’s decision is a wake-up call. It’s a tough, pragmatic step to secure the charity’s future—but it also reminds us how fragile charity infrastructure can be in today’s economy.

As The Charity Champion, we’ll keep amplifying the voices of those affected, spotlighting innovative solutions, and fighting for a future where charity shops aren’t just surviving—but thriving. Find more ways to make a difference by using our Charity Finder.