Marks And Spencer confirms closure of Swansea Oxford Street flagship as estate reshaping continues
marks and spencer has confirmed it will close one of its flagship city centre stores later this year, a move described as part of a wider UK-wide programme to reshape its store estate; staff were informed of the plans this week.
Marks And Spencer decision and timeline
The retailer has told local leaders that the proposed closure forms part of a national programme designed to ensure it has the right stores, in the right place, with the right space. A letter from the company’s Head of External Affairs, Adam Hawksbee, to council leader Rob Steward framed the decision as part of that UK-wide strategy aimed at ensuring stores are in the “right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience. ”
The context contains two timeline references that are unclear in the provided context: an initial statement that the flagship city centre store will close later this year, and a separate note that the Swansea Oxford Street store, open since 1957, is expected to shut in late 2026, subject to consultation. This apparent timeline discrepancy is unclear in the provided context.
Why the Swansea Oxford Street store is being targeted
The company has pointed to a sustained decline in sales over the past 10 years, saying the store is no longer viable in its current format. The Swansea Oxford Street branch operates as a full-line store with a café and has traded at the location since 1957. The planned closure forms part of a reshaping programme that the business says has already led to 90 historic locations closing and investment in new store locations.
Impact on staff and shoppers
The retailer acknowledged the proposed closure will be disappointing for some and said it will prioritise supporting employees during the consultation. The company indicated it will explore alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible and that the proposal will consider staff impact as the consultation proceeds.
Council responses and local efforts to retain a store
Council leader Rob Stewart responded on social media, describing the announcement as a hugely disappointing decision and saying the council had worked behind the scenes engaging with senior decision makers to avoid inclusion of the Swansea store in previous closure rounds. Rob Stewart said the council had been encouraging further investment and that, while it does not agree with and cannot support the decision, it will do all it can to retain the brand in the city and to help find an alternative store location in Swansea.
The council leader added that the company had been clear the decision is strategic and tied to a new business model the company is adopting, and that the company recognises the significant regeneration underway in Swansea and is keen to find an alternative location in the city.
A Swansea Council spokesperson described the news as extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers. The spokesperson said the company confirmed that the current building and location is no longer suitable for their business model, noted the programme of 90 historic location closures and investments in new store sites, and stated the council had spent several years actively working to prevent closure at this location.
The spokesperson said the council will continue working in the coming weeks and months to seek a new site that meets the company’s needs and keeps the retailer in the city. They reiterated that the decision is not a reflection on Swansea as a retail destination but forms part of the company’s wider national strategy, and that the council remains determined to ensure the city centre continues to grow and attract major brands. The council’s immediate thoughts were described as being with the retailer’s staff, and the council said it is committed to supporting them through this period of uncertainty.
What happens next
The closure is subject to consultation, and the company has set out that it will prioritise support for employees while exploring alternative store roles nearby. Local leaders have pledged to continue engagement and to seek an alternative location in Swansea that could retain the brand in the city. Details on the consultation timetable and final decisions are unclear in the provided context.
marks and spencer’s announcement marks a further step in its estate reshaping programme and has prompted immediate local efforts to mitigate the impact on staff and maintain a city centre presence.
