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North Staffordshire store set to close as rising costs bite

By Nub News Reporter   10th Oct 2025

The Cancer Research shop on Ironmarket is set to close by May 2026. (Google)
The Cancer Research shop on Ironmarket is set to close by May 2026. (Google)

A North Staffordshire shop will close its doors for the final time in 2026. 

One of Newcastle-under-Lyme's Cancer Research charity shops has been named among those set to close by May 2026 as the charity looks to "reshape" its retail operations.

The store on Ironmarket is set to close but the larger Cancer Research superstore on Castle Walk will remain open. 

The closures, announced this month, are being made in a bid to raise more money for life-saving cancer research, according to the charity.

In a statement, Cancer Research UK said that, "like many high street retailers, we're faced with rising costs, inflationary pressures, and changing consumer habits — including reduced footfall, higher national insurance contributions, and growing competition from online resale platforms".

"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."

Cancer Research said it would be expanding its network of superstores, with 12 new stores set to open over the next two years, and will be closing its online marketplace, which sells pre-loved items on external resale platforms, in early 2026.

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. A smaller, high-performing retail operation will mean we will fund more life-saving cancer research and better serve our customers, staff and volunteers.  

"This news will be difficult. 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."

     

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