Surviving as a retailer was never easy. This is because the business depends on keeping up with ever-changing consumer trends.
Today, it seems even harder, as economic pressures slowly but steadily affect those that survived two major challenges: the e-commerce boom and Covid pandemic lockdowns.
This scenario applies not only to the U.S. but also globally. Across the pond, retailers have been facing a similar fate, although last year’s data show improvement from previous years.
In 2024, there were 12,804 store closures in Great Britain, averaging 35 closures per day, the second-lowest level in a decade. At the same time, there were also 9,002 store openings, averaging 25 per day, which is significantly better than in the years of the pandemic, when openings fell below 20 per day, according to data from PWC.
While the numbers suggest stabilization, retail closures are still happening every day. In the most recent news, one charity chain in the UK was forced to close more than 70 stores, and the latest two closures happened in November.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering that many UK charity shops saw a 16% drop in profits in 2024, while their expenditure rose by 13%, according to data from Civil Society.
Popular UK charity chain Scope, which previously operated 138 stores, has closed two more sites following 70 earlier closures.
UK charity shop Scope closes two more sites weeks after shuttering 70 others
A 73-year-old popular charity chain Scope, which once ran 138 stores across England and Wales, has closed another two sites, weeks after closing 70 other locations, according to Birmingham Live.
On Nov. 20, Scope closed a West Midlands branch in Stourbridge, while a Folkstone location closed its doors for good two days after, on Nov. 22. The last two closures come on the heels of the chain’s closure of branches in Gillingham Twydall Green and in Stamford Hill.
The charity chain’s closures were decided upon a consultation process that unfolded earlier in 2025, focusing on its most profitable locations. In January 2025, Scope proposed to close most of its charity shops after forecasting that its retail operations would lose £1.5m this financial year, reported Civil Society.
“Scope has been campaigning for disability equality for over 70 years. Our shops have helped us raise vital income to support our work with disabled people and their families,” said Scope’s Head of Retail Debbie Boylen, as reported by Stourbridge News.
Boylen explained that the decision to close locations wasn’t an easy one, but it came after consulting with Scope’s colleagues and volunteers on proposals to close 77 of its shops. Speaking of closure in Stourbridge, Boylen said, “We’ve had such incredible support from this wonderful and generous community.”
Scope’s history, major milestones over 70 years
In 1952, Scope was founded as the National Spastics Society by three parents (Ian Dawson-Shepherd, Eric Hodgson, and Alex Moira) who wanted their children with cerebral palsy to have equal access to education.
The charity’s mission is to transform attitudes regarding disability, tackle injustice, and inspire action while providing support, information, and opportunities.
“We’re here to create an equal future with disabled people,” reads the description on Scope’s About Us page.
Scope also highlights that one in every four UK residents has a disability, making for a diverse, proud, and vibrant community.
“We are part of a powerful movement of disabled people, allies, organizations, and businesses. And together, we will be unstoppable.”
Scope’s shops, online sale, and operations
Scope’s high street charity shops sell a wide range of new and secondhand goods, such as clothes, shoes, accessories, furniture, and more.
Scope also runs an online shop through which it sells both used and new items, including mobility aids, gifts, and accessories, as well as products made by or in collaboration with disabled artists.
Related: 92-year-old family clothing retailer closes permanently
Proceeds from Scope shops or their online stores support the charity’s work.
Scope also accepts donations, including men’s, women’s, and children’s fashion; homeware and soft furnishings; entertainment and books; and furniture. For more details, see Scope’s donating goods page.
Boylen added that for people working and volunteering at Scope, it was more “than just a job.” She acknowledged their passion for helping the organization build an equal future for people with disabilities.
The story is not over for Scope, she explained.
“Scope continues to have a future on the high street and our shops will continue to be a place where we directly engage with our local communities, where they can find out about Scope’s work and join our movement for change.”
Timeline of Scope’s major milestones
- 1952: Founded as the National Spastics Society
- 1970: First charity shop opens in Sevenoaks, Kent
- 1984: Launches publication Disability Now as a platform for disabled voices
- 1994: Changes name to Scope to remove the negative connotations of the term “spastic”
- 2004: Launches major campaign “Time to Get Equal” to address discrimination against people with disabilities
- 2017: Designs “Work With Me” campaign with Virgin Media to tackle the barriers disabled people face with employment.
- 2018: Transfers many care and education services to provider Salutem Healthcare
- 2022: Celebrates 70 years
- 2024: Launches 10-year strategic plan “An Equal Future” focusing on long-term equality goals Sources: Scope, Sussex World, Wikipedia
Related: Beloved regional Mexican restaurant abruptly closes all locations