Cancer Research stores in Maidenhead and Slough face closure amid rising costs

Retail shops for Cancer Research in Maidenhead and Slough are being closed down due to ‘rising costs and pressures’ – two of nearly 200 shops set to go.

The charity fighting cancer, which funds research into prevention, diagnosis and treatment, released a list of 88 shops across the UK that are closing down by May next year.

In the firing line is the one at 101 Maidenhead High Street and the Slough town centre one at number 8 Park Street.

Windsor, Ascot and Marlow branches are not on the list.

In a release sent out on October 1, Cancer Research UK said it is ‘reshaping’ its retail operations to ‘maximise impact’ – including redoubling its focus on its ‘out-of-town superstores’.

“Retail has played a critical role in our mission – delivering over £225million in contributions over the last 10 years,” the charity wrote.

“But like many high street retailers, we’re faced with rising costs, inflationary pressures, and changing consumer habits.”

This includes reduced footfall, higher national insurance contributions (higher costs for employing staff), and growing competition from online resale platforms.

“In response to the changing external and retail landscape, we’ve developed a new plan to reshape our retail operations,” Cancer Research UK continued.

“Over the next two years, we will reduce the size of our core high street chain to around 320 high-performing shops.

“This means closing around 90 shops by May 2026, with up to 100 more by April 2027.”

The charity intends to expand its network of ‘out-of-town superstores’, like its Beckton Superstore in London, which are up to four times bigger than our high street shops.

Twelve new such stores set to open over the next two years, Cancer Research UK says.

It will also close its online marketplace in early 2026, meaning it will no longer sell pre-owned items on external resale platforms. "

“We know this news will be difficult for many to hear – but it’s necessary to ensure we spend more on life-saving cancer research,” the charity said.

“By making these changes, we expect to increase our financial contribution to research by approximately £12.4 million over the next five years, enabling us to invest even more money in the research that saves lives.”

Michelle Mitchell OBE, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said:

“I am deeply grateful to our dedicated supporters, volunteers and staff for their role and contribution in beating cancer together.

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

“Our decisions have been taken after serious consideration. We’re committed to supporting everyone affected by these changes, and will provide clear information and support throughout the process.”

Cancer Research UK will continue to maintain ‘a prominent presence on the high street’, it says.

Elsewhere, its 2024/25 annual report and accounts ‘show strong performance’ across its income generation activities, including fundraising, philanthropy and investments.

It spent £403million on new and ongoing research last year – £4million more than the previous year.

“We remain on track to exceed our commitment to spend at least £1.5billion on research during the five-year period 2021/22 to 2025/26,” Cancer Research UK stated.

“We look to the future with confidence and optimism.”