M&s: Major retailer confirms closure of flagship city centre store (m&s)

m&s has confirmed it will close one of its flagship city centre stores later this year, with staff informed of the plans this week. the proposed closure forms part of a UK-wide programme to reshape its store estate and to ensure "the right stores, in the right place, with right space. "

M&s Oxford Street Swansea details

The store on Oxford Street in Swansea has been open since 1957 and operates as a full-line branch with a café. The retailer said the Oxford Street store is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation.

Why the retailer decided

Marks and Spencer said the move follows a sustained decline in sales over the past 10 years, leaving the store no longer viable in its current format. M&S Head of External Affairs Adam Hawksbee wrote to council leader Rob Steward saying the decision forms part of a UK-wide programme aimed at ensuring stores are in the "right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience. "

Council leader Rob Stewart response

Responding on social media, council leader Rob Stewart called the move "Hugely disappointing decision by Mark & Spencer to begin consulting on the closure of the store in Swansea Oxford Street. " He said the council 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. "

Rob Stewart 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. M&S have been clear this is not a Swansea decision but a strategic one. It is about the new business model that company are adopting. M&S are clear they recognise the significant regeneration that is underway, and they are keen to find an alternative location in Swansea. "

Swansea Council spokesperson statement

A Swansea Council spokesperson said: "The news from M&S is extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers. " The spokesperson said 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.

The council spokesperson said: "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. 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. "

The spokesperson added: "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. "

Staff, consultation and next steps

The retailer acknowledged the impact on staff and shoppers and said the proposal will be disappointing for some. The business said it will prioritise supporting employees, "exploring alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible. " The planned timetable is subject to consultation as the council and company discuss options, and the company has indicated it is keen to find an alternative location in Swansea.

Closure plans follow staff being informed this week and sit within a wider strategy to reshape the national store estate; further details and the outcome of consultation remain unclear in the provided context.