Another day another shut down. The British high street is experiencing another rough hit. And, this time it’s the venerable disability charity Scope making headlines about shop closures. Famous for its advocacy for disabled people’s rights and opportunities, Scope has now had to close down several of its charity stores because of immense financial pressures.
Three branches including Newport (Wales), Southampton, and Atherstone shut their doors for good in early April. Unfortunately, these are just the start of a large-scale departure from the high street.
Why Scope Is Closing Its High Street Stores in 2025-26
Why? Increased costs. Scope along with most charities, is finding it hard to cope with escalating rents. The companies are frustrated about energy prices, wages for staff, and a steep drop in customer traffic. Scope’s chief executive, Mark Hodgkinson, has revealed that the charity is about to lose £1.5 million this year.
These problems are not exclusive to Scope. Numerous UK-based charities that depend on retail revenue are tightening their belts, particularly as people reduce non-essential expenditure amid the current cost-of-living crisis.
Hodgkinson said that to make sure our money is best spent on our charitable aim we are proposing to close some of our shops, in phases over the next 18 months.”
Scope to Shut Nearly Half Its Charity Stores by 2026
Scope is not taking this decision lightly. As part of a precisely planned sequence of closures:
43 further stores will close between now and March 31, 2026
4 additional shops will be closed within the 2026/27 financial year
5 remaining locations will close once their leases expire or at a break point
That on top of 24 stores already closed since January 2025.
This would mean that almost half of Scope’s 138-store chain might be wiped out from high streets within two years.
Impact of Charity Shop Closures on UK Communities and Volunteers
Charity shops are not simply second-hand stores but they provide a means of volunteering, local activity. The also provide a means for individuals to contribute to causes they care about. Many operate with the assistance of passionate volunteers, and closure will impact not only the charity’s revenue, but the community as a whole.
Scope Charity Shop Closures: What It Means for Disability Advocacy
Scope’s stores have been a part of the fabric long enough and is loved by many. They are affordable, mission-based places that help support important disability services. Their demise is indicative of a larger challenge facing the nonprofit community: evolving with consumers’ changing ways while remaining solvent in times of economic uncertainty.
What’s Next for Scope?
In spite of these closures, Scope is committed to its vision of equality and advocacy for disabled people. The charity feels that this action will ensure that resources are concentrated where they are most needed: on the provision of services, campaigning, and reaching out.
Whereas the high street shops may disappear, Scope intends to develop its fundraising activities, perhaps by steering more attention towards internet giving, partnerships, and local campaigns.
This chapter may be difficult, but it’s also a necessary adjustment to ensure Scope’s survival and continued impact for years to come.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Scope closing its charity shops?
Due to rising rents, energy bills, and reduced customer traffic, Scope faces a £1.5 million loss in 2025.
Q2. How many Scope shops will close by 2026?
Nearly half of Scope’s 138 stores—including 43 by March 2026—will shut down.
Q3. Which Scope branches have already closed?
Shops in Newport, Southampton, and Atherstone closed in early April 2025.
Q4. How will closures affect local communities?
Closures will impact volunteers, reduce affordable shopping options, and affect local support.
Q5. Will Scope continue its disability advocacy?
Yes, Scope will shift focus to services, digital fundraising, and advocacy work.
Q6. Can people still support Scope?
Yes, through online donations, partnerships, and local fundraising efforts.
