Charity shop chain with over 300 shops to close high street store in days
A CHARITY shop chain with over 300 shops is set to close one of its high street stores in just days.
The RSPCA store in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, is set to pull down the shutters for the final time.
The much-loved branch, which has been open for 25 years, contributed to the re homing of 180 animals in 2024.
For more than two decades, the shop has been a hub of support for local animals, with residents regularly donating goods and supplies, and shopping to raise money for the cause.
But a recent review concluded the shop was no longer financially viable, prompting the difficult decision.
The store, which has helped raise vital funds for vulnerable animals in the South Bucks area, will shut down permanently on April 16.
Customers are advised that the RSPCA has two nearby stores in Chesham and Burnham.
The RSPCA reports that money raised from the Risborough base led to veterinary vouchers being provided to 170 pet owners.
A statement on social media said: “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to build a wonderful community of supporters in Princes Risborough.
“The generosity of local residents, who have donated, shopped, and provided essential supplies for animals in our care, has made a real difference.”
While the shop is closing, the RSPCA has announced that Tesco in Princes Risborough will trial a new donation point for one month.
Shoppers will be able to donate food for cats, dogs, and rabbits, as well as cat litter, with all items supporting animals in need in the local area.
In the final days before its closure, the Princes Risborough shop will also hold a closing-down sale.
Bargain hunters can visit the store to grab some last-minute deals while supporting the charity.
The RSPCA has thanked the community for their unwavering “kindness and generosity” over the years.
The full statement on Instagram read: “A heartfelt goodbye to our Princes Risborough RSPCA charity shop.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the permanent closure of our Princes Risborough RSPCA charity shop on 16 April.
“This shop has been a vital part of RSPCA South Bucks, helping to raise much-needed funds for vulnerable animals through the sale of items donated by members of the public.
“However, following a recent review, it was decided the shop was no longer financially viable.
“Over the years, we have been incredibly fortunate to build a wonderful community of supporters in the town.”
It continued: “You have donated, shopped, and contributed essential food and supplies for animals in our care. Your generosity has truly made a difference.
“Although our shop is closing, we are pleased to announce that Tesco Princes Risborough has kindly agreed to trial a donation point in store for one month.
“You can continue to support local animals by purchasing and donating cat, dog and rabbit food, and cat litter in-store. Every donation will help local animals in need.
“Before we say our final farewell, we invite you to visit our closing down sale which is now on in our Princes Risborough shop.
“This is a great opportunity to find amazing bargains, while supporting needy animals at the same time.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in Princes Risborough for their kindness and generosity over the past 25 years. While this chapter is closing, our mission continues.
“Please keep supporting us by shopping at, and donating to, our Chesham and Burnham charity shops, we still need your help to change the lives of animals in your locality.”
RETAIL PAIN IN 2025
The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.
Research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that more than half of companies plan to raise prices by early April.
A survey of more than 4,800 firms found that 55% expect prices to increase in the next three months, up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in the latter half of 2024.
Three-quarters of companies cited the cost of employing people as their primary financial pressure.
The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.
It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year.
Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: “The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025.”
Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector.
“By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer’s household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020.”