M&s confirms planned closure of Swansea Oxford Street flagship store as part of UK-wide estate reshaping
m&s has confirmed it will close its Swansea Oxford Street flagship store as part of a wider programme to reshape the retailer's UK store estate. Staff were informed of the proposals this week, and the announcement has prompted immediate local reaction and commitments from council officials to seek alternatives for the city.
M&s decision, timetable and consultation
The retailer said the proposed closure forms part of a UK-wide programme intended to ensure it has the right stores in the right places with the right amount of space. The text provided contains two different timing notes: one line states the store will close "later this year, " while a company communication separately describes the Swansea Oxford Street branch as expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation. The precise timetable is unclear in the provided context.
Swansea Oxford Street store: history and format
The Swansea Oxford Street store has been open since 1957. It operates as a full-line branch and includes a café. the move follows a sustained decline in sales over the past 10 years that has left the store no longer viable in its current format.
M&s messaging and employee support
In communications to local leadership, M&S stated the programme aims to place stores in settings suited to delivering an excellent shopping experience. The retailer acknowledged the impact on staff and shoppers, described the proposal as disappointing for some, and said it will prioritise supporting employees. That support is said to include exploring alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible.
Letter to local leadership and named company contact
Writing to council leader Rob Steward, M&S Head of External Affairs Adam Hawksbee framed the decision as part of the UK-wide initiative to align store footprints with the company's new business model and space requirements. The correspondence emphasized a strategic approach to ensuring the retailer’s stores meet the stated objectives for customer experience.
Local political and council responses
Council leader Rob Stewart described the development as hugely disappointing and said local officials had worked behind the scenes to prevent inclusion of the Swansea store in earlier rounds of closures, and had encouraged investment. He said while the council does not agree with and cannot support the decision, it will do all it can to retain the brand in the city and to help find an alternative store location. He noted the company framed the move as strategic and linked to a new business model, adding that M&S recognises the significant regeneration underway in Swansea and is keen to find an alternative location in the city.
Swansea Council stance and next steps
A Swansea Council spokesperson described the news as extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers. The council said M&S confirmed the current building and location are no longer suitable for the company’s business model, which has already seen 90 historic locations close alongside investment in new store locations. The council stated it has spent several years actively working to prevent closure at this site and will continue in the coming weeks and months to seek a new site that meets M&S's needs and keeps the brand in the city.
The council spokesperson reiterated that M&S recognises the significant regeneration under way in Swansea and remains committed to exploring options for an alternative store location. The statement underlined that the decision is not a reflection on Swansea as a retail destination but forms part of a wider national strategy, and affirmed a determination to ensure the city centre continues to grow and attract major brands. The council added that its immediate thoughts are with M&S staff and that it is committed to supporting them through this period of uncertainty.
Given the differing timing statements in the provided material and the fact consultation is indicated, the situation may evolve as consultations progress and local engagement continues.
