Marks And Spencer: marks and spencer confirms closure of flagship city centre store
marks and spencer has confirmed it will close one of its flagship city centre stores, with staff informed of the plans this week. The retailer said the proposed closure forms part of a wider programme to reshape its UK store estate.
Closure confirmed by Marks And Spencer
the move follows a sustained decline in sales over the past 10 years, leaving the store no longer viable in its current format. Writing to council leader Rob Steward, M&S Head of External Affairs Adam Hawksbee said the decision forms part of a UK-wide programme aimed at ensuring stores are in the “right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience”. The company added the programme is designed to ensure it has “the right stores, in the right place, with right space. ”
Oxford Street Swansea store details
The affected store is the Oxford Street branch in Swansea, which has been open since 1957 and operates as a full-line branch with a café. Initial announcements said the retailer confirmed it will close one of its flagship city centre stores later this year, while the company also said the Oxford Street store is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation.
Staff informed and consultation timeline
Staff were informed of the plans this week. The retailer acknowledged the impact on staff and shoppers, saying the proposal will be disappointing for some and that it will prioritise supporting employees, including “exploring alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible. ” The company described the decision as part of its wider national strategy and said it remains committed to finding the “right space” for its business model.
Council responses and quotes
Responding on social media, council leader Rob Stewart described the move as a “Hugely disappointing decision by Mark & Spencer to begin consulting on the closure of the store in Swansea Oxford Street. ” He added: “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. ”
Rob Stewart went on to say: “…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. 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 spokesperson added: “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. 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. ”
it will prioritise supporting employees and will explore alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible as the consultation proceeds.
