M&s confirms Swansea Oxford Street flagship will close as retailer reshapes store estate
Marks and Spencer has confirmed that one of its flagship city centre outlets will close, a move that the company says is part of a wider estate reshaping programme. The announcement, with staff informed this week, affects the Swansea Oxford Street store and is already prompting local efforts to find alternatives and support employees.
M&s confirms flagship Swansea Oxford Street closure
The Swansea Oxford Street store, which has been open since 1957 and operates as a full-line branch with a café, has been identified for closure. While the retailer confirmed the decision will see the store close later this year, the site is also expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation. Both timeframes were set out in the company’s communications to local officials and staff.
Decision framed as strategic reshaping of the store estate
Writing to council leader Rob Steward, Adam Hawksbee, Head of External Affairs, framed the proposal as part of a UK-wide programme intended to ensure stores occupy the right kinds of spaces to deliver an improved shopping experience. The retailer 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 programme is designed to ensure the business has the right stores, in the right places, with the right space.
Local reaction: council leader pushes for alternatives
Rob Stewart responded on social media, calling the decision hugely disappointing. He said council teams had previously worked behind the scenes to engage with senior company decision makers to keep the store out of earlier closure rounds and had encouraged fresh investment. While the council leader said they do not agree with and cannot support the decision, he pledged to do all they can to retain the brand in the city and to help the company find an alternative store location in Swansea. He emphasised that the company has described the move as strategic, tied to a new business model, and that the retailer recognises the significant regeneration under way in the city and is keen to explore alternative locations.
Council commits to continued engagement and staff support
A Swansea Council spokesperson described the news as extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers. The council said the company confirmed late yesterday afternoon that the current building and location are no longer suitable for the retailer’s business model, which has already seen 90 historic locations close alongside investment in new store locations. The council added it has spent several years actively working to prevent a closure at this site and will continue in the coming weeks and months to seek a new site that meets the company’s needs and keeps the brand in the city.
What the company says about employees and next steps
The retailer acknowledged the impact the proposal will have on staff and shoppers and said the outcome will be disappointing for some. The business committed to prioritising support for employees and to exploring alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible. The council reiterated that the decision is not a reflection on Swansea as a retail destination but part of a wider national strategy, and said it remains determined to ensure the city centre continues to grow and attract major brands. Immediate thoughts were expressed for the affected employees, and the council said it is committed to supporting them through this period of uncertainty.
Details on consultation timelines and formal next steps were described as subject to the consultation process. The local authority and company will continue discussions as work proceeds to identify options that could retain a store presence in the city.
