A charity shop in Newport city centre is rallying community support as it faces the threat of closure.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) store in Newport, South Wales, is calling on the community to show its support amid concerns it could be affected by the charity’s plans to close around 150 shops across the UK over the next two years.

The Newport shop, a familiar fixture on Commercial Street, is not among the stores currently closing, but fears remain that it could be included in a second wave of shutdowns.

Newport British Heart Foundation store fights to stay open as fears grow over future closures. (Image: BHF)

A message shared by the Newport team said: “We’ve seen a lot of headlines saying the British Heart Foundation store in Newport is closing.

“To clarify, those reports are about Newport, Isle of Wight.

“While we’ve been spared in the first wave of closures, there is a second wave still to come, and we don’t want to become part of it.”

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The team emphasised the importance of continued public backing to demonstrate the shop’s value.

They said: “Every donation, every purchase, and every share helps prove that Newport wants and needs its local British Heart Foundation store.”

One of the UK’s largest charity retailers, the BHF funds research into heart and circulatory diseases through revenue generated by its nationwide network of shops.

Outside the British Heart Foundation’s Newport store, staff are urging shoppers to donate, browse and buy to help secure the future of the branch. (Image: NQ)

The Newport store has urged supporters to donate unwanted items, browse its rails and purchase pre-loved goods.

The team said: “Fight for our store! Fight for our community!

“Together, we can fight to keep our doors open for years to come.”

The closures are part of a national restructuring effort aimed at maintaining a financially sustainable retail network.

About 90 stores are expected to close by the end of March 2027, with the remainder closing by March 2028.

A BHF spokesperson said: “Today we have announced proposals to close around 150 of our shops and stores over the next two financial years to ensure our retail network remains commercially sustainable and continues to generate vital funds for lifesaving research.”

Inside the British Heart Foundation’s Newport store, staff are urging shoppers to donate, browse and buy to help secure the future of the branch. (Image: NQ)

The decision follows a detailed review of BHF’s retail operations, taking into account rising operating costs and changing customer habits.

The charity said some locations were no longer financially viable due to a combination of soaring costs, shifting donation patterns and more shoppers turning to online options.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the BHF, said: “Similar to many retailers, we are navigating an exceptionally tough trading landscape.

“Cardiovascular diseases continue to be among the leading causes of death in the UK, and our main focus is on financing research to save lives.

“We are compelled to take the tough decision to close some of our stores to maintain the vital role that retail plays in funding the BHF’s innovative research.”

The BHF confirmed that there will also be cuts to the central teams supporting its retail network, though exact numbers have not been disclosed.

Despite these challenges, the charity said its overall financial position remains healthy, with strong performance in fundraising and legacy income.

The BHF also assured the public that it will continue to maintain a large national network of shops alongside its online retail channels.

Supporters are also encouraged to help the shop by spreading the word.