Marks And Spencer confirms closure of Swansea Oxford Street flagship as city leaders and council react
Marks And Spencer has confirmed it will close one of its flagship city centre stores, a move that staff were informed of this week and that the company says forms part of a wider strategy to reshape its store estate.
Marks And Spencer says Swansea Oxford Street closure is part of a national reshaping
The retailer described the proposed closure as part of a UK-wide programme intended to ensure its stores are located and sized to deliver an excellent shopping experience. In written correspondence with council officials, the company’s Head of External Affairs, Adam Hawksbee, framed the decision as part of that programme and used language about finding the right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience.
What is happening to the Swansea Oxford Street store?
The Swansea Oxford Street branch has been open since 1957 and operates as a full-line store that includes a café. Initial announcements in the compilation of coverage stated the retailer would close a flagship city centre store later this year, while the specific statement about the Swansea Oxford Street branch says it is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation. The timeline is unclear in the provided context.
Why the company is proposing the closure
The business has signalled the move follows a sustained decline in sales over the past 10 years, leaving the store no longer viable in its current format. The programme is described as designed to ensure the business has the right stores, in the right place, with the right space, and the company has framed the Swansea decision as strategic rather than a reflection on Swansea as a retail destination.
Impact on staff and the retailer’s commitments
The retailer acknowledged the proposal will be disappointing for some and said it will prioritise supporting employees. The company has stated it will explore alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible and that it will seek to support staff through the consultation period. Staff were informed of the plans this week.
Local leaders and council reaction
Council leader Rob Steward was written to by the company as part of the communication process. A separate social media response from council leader Rob Stewart described the move as hugely disappointing and said the council had worked behind the scenes to try to prevent inclusion of the Swansea store in earlier closure rounds, and had encouraged investment. Rob Stewart said the council will do all it can to retain the retailer’s brand in the city and will try to help find an alternative store location.
A Swansea Council spokesperson described the news as extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers. The spokesperson said the company confirmed late in the afternoon that the current building and location are no longer suitable for their business model, a business model that has already seen 90 historic locations close and investment go into new store locations. The council said it had spent several years working to prevent the closure at this location and that it will continue to seek a site that meets the retailer’s needs to keep a presence in the city. The council added that it is committed to supporting the affected staff through this period of uncertainty.
Next steps and uncertainty
The closure plan is subject to consultation and the company has said it remains interested in exploring alternative locations in the city as regeneration work continues. Details about the exact timing are unclear in the provided context, and the consultation process will determine what follows.
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