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An iconic British charity is set to close 190 stores across the UK as part of a sweeping restructuring programme blamed on rising costs and changing shopping habits. Cancer Research UK confirmed it has shut its Aberdeen branch on Rosemount Viaduct today as part of the overhaul, with 190 shops set to disappear from the high street by 2027.

The Aberdeen closure is part of an initial wave of 90 shop shutdowns due to be completed by the end of this month. The charity first announced the retail shake-up in October 2025, warning of mounting financial pressures facing high street operations across Britain. Nine Scottish stores were included in the first round of closures, with branches in Falkirk, Airdrie, Galashiels, Clydebank and Glasgow already shutting for good. Stores in Perth, Coatbridge and Edinburgh are also expected to close later this month. Cancer Research UK said a further 100 stores will shut by April 2027 as part of the long-term restructuring plan. The charity said shops had been selected for closure based on financial performance, lease agreements and their geographical position within the wider retail network.

Rising operational costs and inflationary pressures have placed increasing strain on profitability, the organisation said.

The charity also pointed to changing consumer behaviour, declining footfall on Britain's high streets and growing competition from online resale platforms as key reasons behind the closures.

Without intervention, it warned, many stores would become loss-making.

Cancer Research UK also closed its online marketplace earlier this year, meaning it no longer sells pre-owned items through external resale websites.

The charity described the changes as a response to the "evolving external and retail environment" affecting the sector.

Despite the closures, Cancer Research UK said it would continue operating through 320 higher-performing shops across Britain.

The organisation is also expanding its out-of-town retail presence, with plans to open 12 new superstores aimed at shoppers looking for larger, value-focused retail spaces.

The restructuring programme is expected to generate an additional £12.4million for scientific research over the next five years.

Michelle Mitchell, the charity's chief executive, acknowledged the impact the closures would have on staff, volunteers and local communities.

"Without action, we predict many of our shops will become unprofitable."

She added that a smaller, high-performing retail operation would allow the charity to fund more life-saving cancer research and better support customers, staff and volunteers.

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She said the decisions had been taken following extensive consideration.

"This news will be difficult," she said, adding that the charity was committed to supporting everyone affected and would provide clear information throughout the process.

Cancer Research UK thanked supporters, volunteers and employees for their continued contribution to fundraising and scientific work.

The organisation said concentrating resources into fewer but stronger-performing locations would ultimately allow more money to be directed towards cancer research projects across Britain