M&S closes more stores – but shoppers will be delighted
MARKS and Spencer is set to shut more of its stores, but unusually, it’s good news for shoppers.
The closures are part of dozens expected over the next five years, with more set to take place in the coming months.
Two more locations are now confirmed to have closed, or be shutting soon, The Sun can reveal.
The M&S Simply Food store in Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, shut for the final time yesterday.
While the retailer’s store in Weymouth town centre, Dorest, is set to close and relocate, although an exact date is yet to be confirmed.
The news comes after M&S revealed it will permanently shut ten of its stores and relocate to new sites this year.
These new shops will all contain clothing, homeware, cafes and food halls.
For example, shoppers disappointed about the loss of the store in Manchester city centre will be getting a brand new store in the Trafford Centre the winter.
While M&S previously announced that the Eagles Meadow Foodhall in Wrexham will close in the Autumn and be relocated to Plas Coch Retail Park.
New flagship M&S stores have popped up in several major UK cities this year, with more openings to come. You can see the full list below:
- Purley Way – opened in April
- Leeds White Rose – opened in May
- Stockport – opened in June
- Liverpool ONE – to open on August 15
- Birmingham Bullring – Autumn 2023
- Barnsley – expected Autumn 2023
- Earlsfield – autumn 2023
- Lakeside Thurrock – Winter 2023
- Manchester Trafford Centre – Winter 2023
- Largs – expected Winter 2023
The closures are part of 67 expected over the next five years.
The high-street brand is looking to shut some of its “lower productivity, full-line stores” to cut costs.
The full list of M&S closures that have taken place so far this year can be seen below:
- East Kilbride – closed in February
- Fenchurch Street, London – March
- Meadowbank Retail Park in Edinburgh – April
- Castleford – April
- Bolton – April
- Cardiff – April
The retailer plans to operate 180 full-line and 400 food halls in the next five years.
The new openings will bring investment in new stores to £480 million, M&S said in May.
It will also be investing in its digital offering, with the rollout of click-and-collect to 130 stores across the UK.
Soaring inflation has left shoppers strapped for cash, and retailers are struggling to get customers to part with their hard-earned money.
High energy costs and a shift to online shopping are also taking a toll and many brands just haven’t been able to keep going.
If you want to know how your local high street is affected, you can check out our handy guide to all the shops closing down in August.
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