M&s confirms closure of Swansea Oxford Street store opened in 1957
Marks and Spencer has confirmed plans to close one of its flagship city centre stores later this year as part of a wider strategy to reshape its estate; m&s said staff were informed this week and its Swansea Oxford Street branch, open since 1957, is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation.
Adam Hawksbee’s letter to Rob Steward cites UK-wide programme
M& S Head of External Affairs Adam Hawksbee wrote to council leader Rob Steward to set out the decision, saying the move forms part of a UK-wide programme aimed at ensuring stores are in the “right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience”. The correspondence frames the closure as part of a national strategy rather than a location-specific change.
Swansea Oxford Street branch: full-line store with a café and long history
The Oxford Street store in Swansea has operated as a full-line branch with a café and has been open since 1957. While the company has said the store will close later this year, it also stated the Swansea branch is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation, and staff were informed of the plans this week.
Retailer points to a decade-long sales decline and viability concerns
Marks and Spencer said the move follows a sustained decline in sales over the past 10 years, leaving the Swansea store no longer viable in its current format. the company described the programme as designed to ensure it has “the right stores, in the right place, with right space. ”
Company pledges support for employees, exploring nearby roles
The retailer acknowledged the impact on staff and shoppers, saying the proposal will be disappointing for some and that it will prioritise supporting employees. The business said it would explore “alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible, ” and highlighted employee support as part of its response while consultations proceed.
M&s closure draws response from Rob Stewart and Swansea Council as they seek alternatives
Responding to Hawksbee’s letter on social media, council leader Rob Stewart described the decision as “hugely disappointing” and said: “We had successfully worked behind the scenes engaging with M& S senior decision makers to avoid this store being included in the previous rounds of M& S closures and have been encouraging M& S to invest. ” He added: “…While we don’t agree and cannot support this decision, we will to do all we can to retain the M& S brand in the city and therefore do what we can to help M& S find an alternative store location in Swansea. ”
A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “The news from M& S is extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers. 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. We’ve spent several years actively working to prevent M& S closing at this location. We will continue working in the coming weeks and months to seek a new site that meets their needs and keeps M& S in the city. ”
The council spokesperson added that “M& S recognises the significant Swansea regeneration which is under way and they stated they remain committed to exploring options for an alternative store location in the city. M& S has been very clear that this decision is not a reflection on Swansea as a retail destination, but forms part of its wider national strategy. We remain determined to ensure the city centre continues to grow and attract major brands. Our immediate thoughts are with the M& S staff, and we are committed to supporting them through this period of uncertainty. ”
