Marks And Spencer confirms flagship Swansea Oxford Street store will close after 100 years
marks and spencer has confirmed plans to close its Swansea Oxford Street flagship shop, telling staff this week that the move forms part of a UK-wide programme to reshape its store estate — a decision that could leave local jobs at risk and prompt a search for an alternative city centre location.
Planned closure announced to staff and council
The retailer told staff this week it plans to close the Swansea Oxford Street store, which has been open since 1957 and operates as a full-line branch with a café. Company officials framed the proposal as part of a national programme intended to ensure stores are placed in the "right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience, " writing to council leader Rob Steward.
Timing on the shutdown contains conflicting statements
The public messages include two different timelines: one line in the company announcement said the store would close "later this year, " while the statement also says the Oxford Street branch is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation. The company has described the later date as applying "subject to consultation. "
Why the change: sales decline and estate strategy
marks and spencer said the decision follows a sustained decline in sales over the past 10 years that has left the Swansea store "no longer viable in its current format. " In its statement the company reiterated the programme is designed to ensure it has "the right stores, in the right place, with right space. "
What the company says about staff and support
The retailer acknowledged the impact on staff and shoppers and said the proposal would be disappointing for some. It added it will prioritise support for employees, including "exploring alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible. " M&S Head of External Affairs Adam Hawksbee set out the rationale in a letter to local leaders.
Local leaders push back and offer help
Responding on social media, council leader Rob Stewart called the move "hugely disappointing" and said local officials had worked to prevent the store being included in earlier rounds of closures. The council said it would continue seeking a site that meets M&S's needs and try to keep the brand in the city.
Council spokesperson details the company view and next steps
A Swansea Council spokesperson described the company announcement as "extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers" and said M&S confirmed "late yesterday afternoon" that the current building and location is no longer suitable for their business model — a model that the council noted has already seen "90 historic locations close and investment in new store locations. " The spokesperson said the council has spent several years trying to avoid a closure at this location and will keep working in the coming weeks and months to find an alternative site.
The council spokesperson added that M&S recognises the "significant regeneration" under way in Swansea and remains committed to exploring options for an alternative store location in the city. The spokesperson also said the decision "is not a reflection on Swansea as a retail destination, but forms part of its wider national strategy, " and that the council's "immediate thoughts are with the M&S staff" as they seek to support employees through the period of uncertainty.
Next steps confirmed in the company material include a formal consultation on the proposed closure; the timeline mentioned by the retailer places a potential shutdown in late 2026, subject to that consultation process. Local officials have said they will continue talks to identify an alternative city centre site that could keep an M&S presence in Swansea.
