M&s confirms flagship city centre store set for closure as Swansea leaders vow to fight and seek alternatives
The retailer has announced proposals to close a flagship city centre store, with m&s saying the move forms part of a wider strategy to reshape its store estate; staff were informed of the plans this week. Timing in the available statements is unclear in the provided context, with one line referencing a closure later this year and another specifying the Oxford Street store in Swansea is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation.
M&s frames closure as part of a UK-wide programme
Marks and Spencer (M&S) framed the proposed closure as part of a UK-wide programme intended to ensure it has the right stores in the right spaces to deliver an excellent shopping experience. In written correspondence to council leader Rob Steward, M&S Head of External Affairs Adam Hawksbee described the decision as forming part of this broader reshaping of the store estate. the programme is designed to ensure it has “the right stores, in the right place, with right space. ”
What is happening to the Swansea Oxford Street store
The Swansea Oxford Street store has been open since 1957 and operates as a full-line branch with a café. M&S has set out that the site is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation. The retailer said the proposed closure follows a sustained decline in sales over the past 10 years, leaving the store no longer viable in its current format.
Council leadership response and local efforts
Responding to the announcement on social media, council leader Rob Stewart described the decision as hugely disappointing and said the council had worked behind the scenes to engage with senior decision makers to avoid this store being included in previous rounds of closures. He said the council had been encouraging the retailer to invest and that, while it does not agree with the decision, it will do all it can to retain the brand in the city and help find an alternative store location in Swansea. He reiterated the company’s position that this is not a Swansea decision but a strategic one linked to a new business model the company is adopting, and that M&S recognises the significant regeneration that is underway and is keen to find an alternative location in Swansea.
Council spokesman and local priorities for staff
A Swansea Council spokesperson described the news as extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers. The spokesperson said M&S confirmed 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 council added that the decision is not a reflection on Swansea as a retail destination but forms part of the company’s wider national strategy, and said its immediate thoughts are with the M&S staff as it commits to supporting them through this period of uncertainty.
Employee support and next steps
The retailer acknowledged the impact on staff and shoppers and said the proposal will be disappointing for some. The business stated it will prioritise supporting employees, including exploring alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible. The closure proposal remains subject to consultation, and local leaders have signalled they will continue engagement to try to secure an alternative location for the brand in the city.
