Cancer Research UK Closes Aberdeen Store as Part of 190-Shop Reduction Plan

Cancer Research UK closed its Aberdeen branch on Rosemount Viaduct today as the initial step in a restructuring programme that will result in 190 stores shutting permanently across Britain by 2027. The Aberdeen closure is part of an initial wave of 90 shop shutdowns scheduled to be completed by the end of this month.

Nine Scottish stores are included in this first phase, with branches in Falkirk, Airdrie, Galashiels, Clydebank and Glasgow having already closed. Stores in Perth, Coatbridge and Edinburgh are due to close later this month. The charity first announced the retail overhaul in October 2025, citing mounting financial pressures on high street operations.

Officials said stores were selected for closure based on financial performance, lease agreements and their position within the wider retail network. Rising operational costs and inflationary pressures have increased strain on shop profitability. The charity also pointed to changing consumer behaviour, declining footfall on Britain’s high streets and growing competition from online resale platforms.

Without intervention, many stores would become loss-making, the organisation reported.

and Future Operations Cancer Research

UK shut down its online marketplace earlier this year, ending sales of 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, the organisation will continue operating through 320 higher-performing shops across Britain.