Amelia Jones
A serious excessive road retailer has confirmed it can shut one of its flagship city centre shops later this yr.
Marks and Spencer (M&S) mentioned the proposed closure kinds half of a wider technique to reshape its store property, with workers knowledgeable of the plans this week.
Its Oxford Street store in Swansea, which has been open since 1957 and operates as a full-line department with a café, is predicted to close in late 2026, topic to session.
Writing to council chief Rob Steward, M&S Head of External Affairs Adam Hawksbee mentioned age determination kinds half of a UK-wide programme aimed toward guaranteeing shops are within the “right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience”.
The retailer mentioned the transfer follows a sustained decline in gross sales over the previous 10 years, leaving the store now not viable in its present format.
In a press release, the corporate mentioned the programme is designed to make sure it has “the right stores, in the right place, with right space.”
The retailer acknowledged the influence on workers and customers, saying the proposal will probably be disappointing for some. The enterprise added that it’s going to prioritise supporting staff, together with “exploring alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible.”
‘Cannot support this decision’
Responding to the letter on social media, council chief Rob Stewart mentioned: “Hugely disappointing determination by Mark & Spencer to start consulting on the closure of the store in Swansea Oxford Street.
“Our ideas are with the workers.
“We had efficiently labored behind the scenes participating with M&S senior determination makers to keep away from this store being included within the earlier rounds of M&S closures and have been encouraging M&S to take a position.
“…While we don’t agree and can’t assist this determination, we’ll to do all we are able to to retain the M&S model within the city and subsequently do what we are able to to assist M&S discover an alternate store location in Swansea.
“M&S have been clear this isn’t a Swansea determination however a strategic one. It is concerning the new enterprise mannequin that firm are adopting.
“M&S are clear they recognise the significant regeneration that is underway, and they are keen to find an alternative location in Swansea.”
Extremely disappointing
A Swansea Council spokesperson added: “The information from M&S is extraordinarily disappointing for employees and customers.
“M&S confirmed late yesterday afternoon that the present constructing and site is now not appropriate for his or her enterprise mannequin which has already seen 90 historic areas shut and funding in new store areas
“We’ve spent a number of years actively working to stop M&S closing at this location. We will proceed working within the coming weeks and months to hunt a brand new web site that meets their wants and retains M&S within the city.
“M&S recognises the numerous Swansea regeneration which is underneath approach and so they said they continue to be dedicated to exploring choices for an alternate store location within the city.
“M&S has been very clear that this determination just isn’t a mirrored image on Swansea as a retail vacation spot, however kinds half of its wider nationwide technique. We stay decided to make sure the city centre continues to develop and entice main manufacturers.
“Our immediate thoughts are with the M&S staff, and we are committed to supporting them through this period of uncertainty.”
Despite the closure, efforts are ongoing to safe a brand new web site and make sure the retailer stays half of the city’s future.
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