Marks And Spencer confirms flagship Swansea closure as marks and spencer plans reshape estate
marks and spencer has confirmed it will close one of its flagship city centre stores later this year, saying the proposed closure forms part of a wider strategy to reshape its store estate. Staff were informed of the plans this week,.
Store history and timetable
The retailer's Oxford Street store in Swansea has been open since 1957 and operates as a full-line branch with a café. It is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation.
Marks And Spencer statement
Writing to council leader Rob Steward, M&S Head of External Affairs Adam Hawksbee said the decision forms part of a UK-wide programme aimed at ensuring stores are in the “right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience”. The company added the programme is designed to ensure it has “the right stores, in the right place, with right space. ”
Business reasons given
The retailer said the proposed move follows a sustained decline in sales over the past 10 years, leaving the Swansea store no longer viable in its current format. The business acknowledged the impact on staff and shoppers, saying the proposal will be disappointing for some and that it will prioritise supporting employees, including “exploring alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible. ”
Council leader reaction
Council leader Rob Stewart responded on social media, calling the decision “Hugely disappointing decision by Mark & Spencer to begin consulting on the closure of the store in Swansea Oxford Street. ” He said officials had worked behind the scenes with M&S senior decision makers to avoid the store being included in previous rounds of closures and had encouraged investment. He added that, while the council does not agree with and cannot support the decision, it will do all it can to retain the M&S brand in the city and to help M&S find an alternative store location in Swansea. He quoted M&S as saying the choice is strategic, tied to a new business model the company is adopting, and noted the company’s stated willingness to seek an alternative location in the city recognising the significant regeneration under way.
Council support and next steps
A Swansea Council spokesperson described the news as “extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers. ” The spokesperson said M&S confirmed late yesterday afternoon that the current building and location is no longer suitable for their business model, which has already seen 90 historic locations close and investment in new store locations. The council said it has spent several years actively working to prevent M&S closing at this location and will continue working in the coming weeks and months to seek a new site that meets the retailer’s needs and keeps M&S in the city. The spokesperson emphasised that M&S recognises the significant Swansea regeneration under way and stated the company remains committed to exploring options for an alternative store location in the city. The council added that the decision is not a reflection on Swansea as a retail destination, called for continued efforts to ensure the city centre grows and attracts major brands, and said, “Our immediate thoughts are with the M&S staff, and we are committed to supporting them through this period of uncertainty. ”
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Consultation processes and further details remain subject to confirmation.
