A familiar presence on Perth’s bustling Scott Street is set to vanish, as Cancer Research UK has confirmed plans to close its local retail outlet. The decision, part of a wider strategic overhaul impacting numerous stores across the United Kingdom, means the Perth shop will cease trading by May 2026.
This news comes amidst a challenging period for high street retailers, with the charity sector also feeling the pinch of shifting consumer habits and economic pressures. Cancer Research UK cited a combination of rising operational costs, inflationary pressures, a noticeable decline in footfall in traditional shopping areas, increased National Insurance contributions, and intensified competition from burgeoning online resale platforms as primary drivers behind the restructuring.
The Perth store is one of 89 locations nationwide slated for closure by May 2026, with an additional 100 shops expected to follow suit by April 2027. This significant reduction in physical retail presence is intended to streamline operations and ensure the charity can maximise its financial contribution to vital cancer research initiatives. Other Scottish cities, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Falkirk, and Glasgow, will also see some of their Cancer Research UK branches close as part of this national strategy.
In response to the evolving retail landscape, the charity intends to retain a portfolio of 320 high-performing shops across the UK. Furthermore, there are plans to inaugurate 12 new, larger out-of-town superstores over the next two years, indicating a strategic pivot towards different retail models that may offer better efficiency and reach. The charity is also preparing to close its dedicated online marketplace in early 2026, suggesting a comprehensive re-evaluation of its entire retail footprint.
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, underscored the necessity of these difficult choices. She stated, “Without action, we predict many of our shops will become unprofitable. A smaller, high-performing retail operation will mean we will fund more life-saving cancer research and better serve our customers, staff and volunteers.”
Her statement continued, acknowledging the human element: “This news will be difficult. Our decisions have been taken after serious consideration. We’re committed to supporting everyone affected by these changes, and will provide clear information and support throughout the process.” This commitment extends to the dedicated staff and volunteers who have been the backbone of the Perth store, serving the local community with their time and effort.
The closure of the Perth branch is projected to contribute positively to the charity’s core mission, with an anticipated increase of approximately £12.4 million in financial contribution to research over the next five years. This strategic redirection aims to ensure that every penny raised works harder towards finding cures and improving treatments for cancer.
For Perth, this announcement adds to a growing list of changes on the high street. Earlier reports highlighted the closure of the British Heart Foundation’s home store in the city, underscoring a broader trend of retail shifts affecting charity organisations and the overall vibrancy of Perth’s city centre. Local residents and shoppers, who have long supported the Cancer Research UK shop through donations and purchases, may feel the loss of another community-focused establishment. The ongoing evolution of retail in Perth presents both challenges and opportunities for local businesses and community groups to adapt and innovate.
The continued presence of charity shops like Cancer Research UK has always been important to the fabric of Perth’s community, offering affordable goods, volunteer opportunities, and a tangible connection to vital causes. As the charity navigates these changes, the focus remains firmly on its ultimate goal: accelerating life-saving research that benefits individuals and families affected by cancer, not just in Perth and Kinross, but across the nation and beyond.
This news comes amidst a challenging period for high street retailers, with the charity sector also feeling the pinch of shifting consumer habits and economic pressures. Cancer Research UK cited a combination of rising operational costs, inflationary pressures, a noticeable decline in footfall in traditional shopping areas, increased National Insurance contributions, and intensified competition from burgeoning online resale platforms as primary drivers behind the restructuring.
The Perth store is one of 89 locations nationwide slated for closure by May 2026, with an additional 100 shops expected to follow suit by April 2027. This significant reduction in physical retail presence is intended to streamline operations and ensure the charity can maximise its financial contribution to vital cancer research initiatives. Other Scottish cities, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Falkirk, and Glasgow, will also see some of their Cancer Research UK branches close as part of this national strategy.
In response to the evolving retail landscape, the charity intends to retain a portfolio of 320 high-performing shops across the UK. Furthermore, there are plans to inaugurate 12 new, larger out-of-town superstores over the next two years, indicating a strategic pivot towards different retail models that may offer better efficiency and reach. The charity is also preparing to close its dedicated online marketplace in early 2026, suggesting a comprehensive re-evaluation of its entire retail footprint.
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, underscored the necessity of these difficult choices. She stated, “Without action, we predict many of our shops will become unprofitable. A smaller, high-performing retail operation will mean we will fund more life-saving cancer research and better serve our customers, staff and volunteers.”
Her statement continued, acknowledging the human element: “This news will be difficult. Our decisions have been taken after serious consideration. We’re committed to supporting everyone affected by these changes, and will provide clear information and support throughout the process.” This commitment extends to the dedicated staff and volunteers who have been the backbone of the Perth store, serving the local community with their time and effort.
The closure of the Perth branch is projected to contribute positively to the charity’s core mission, with an anticipated increase of approximately £12.4 million in financial contribution to research over the next five years. This strategic redirection aims to ensure that every penny raised works harder towards finding cures and improving treatments for cancer.
For Perth, this announcement adds to a growing list of changes on the high street. Earlier reports highlighted the closure of the British Heart Foundation’s home store in the city, underscoring a broader trend of retail shifts affecting charity organisations and the overall vibrancy of Perth’s city centre. Local residents and shoppers, who have long supported the Cancer Research UK shop through donations and purchases, may feel the loss of another community-focused establishment. The ongoing evolution of retail in Perth presents both challenges and opportunities for local businesses and community groups to adapt and innovate.
The continued presence of charity shops like Cancer Research UK has always been important to the fabric of Perth’s community, offering affordable goods, volunteer opportunities, and a tangible connection to vital causes. As the charity navigates these changes, the focus remains firmly on its ultimate goal: accelerating life-saving research that benefits individuals and families affected by cancer, not just in Perth and Kinross, but across the nation and beyond.