‘It’s a huge blow’ shoppers sob as M&S closes ANOTHER branch
M&S is set to close a new branch after a wave of closures, leaving shoppers “devastated”.
The popular retailer recently announced it is closing its Hexham store in Northumberland.
Staff were informed this week of plans to close the store, although a date has not yet been confirmed.
In 2022, the retailer announced it would close 67 “lower productivity” stores as part of the 110 stores targeted for closure.
It has since closed stores across the country in locations including Manchester, Swindon, Birmingham and Sunderland.
A spokesperson for Marks and Spencer said the closure of the Hexham branch was part of its ‘store rotation programme’.
They added: “We have announced that we are investing £480 million in bigger, better stores across the UK.
“Our store rotation and investment program is aimed at ensuring we have the right stores, in the right location, with the right space.”
Over the past year, the retailer has opened 22 new stores and carried out store renovations, including brand new stores in Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham and Thurrock.
This also included opening new food halls in locations such as Stockport, Wresham, Barnsley and Clacton.
However, this doesn’t come as much comfort to Hexham locals, who describe the decision as a “huge blow” to the area.
Residents have taken to social media to express their views on the loss of the store.
One person said: “Very sad news, unfortunately not unexpected.”
Another said: “Horrible, I’m really sad about it.”
While another said: “A huge blow for Hexham, another shop that will be empty for years.”
Philp Barker-Thomson, M&S regional manager, said: “Our priority now is to talk to our colleagues about what this announcement means for them.
“If the proposals go ahead we will offer them alternative roles at M&S where possible.”
It comes as many retailers are struggling to survive on the high street due to rising costs and lack of footfall.
Since the Covid pandemic, the way people shop has changed and the cost of living has resulted in spending falling.
Retailers such as pharmacy chain Boots have also reduced their portfolios in the past year, closing branches in some city center locations.
Argos has also closed some of its standalone branches and focused on its supermarket locations within Sainsbury’s.
The high street retailer closed 42 UK stores last June, including all 34 branches in the Republic of Ireland.
For other retailers, however, the change has been more permanent, with some disappearing from the high street altogether.
We look at what’s happening with big names like The Body Shop and Superdry.
What else is happening on the shopping street?
Iconic beauty chain The Body Shop recently went bankrupt, leaving fans devastated.
Last week, the company announced it would close nearly half of its 198 stores, with seven locations closing immediately.
Administrators of the stalwart retail chain said the current store offering is “no longer viable” but that the move to restructure “will secure the future of the brand”.
Since then, retail giant Next has approached administrators about completing a potential deal to save the struggling chain.
Next is known for buying up struggling retailers and last year bought fashion chain Fatface for £115.2m.
The company also stepped in to save furniture store Made and also agreed to acquire struggling lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret.
Meanwhile, fashion brand Superdry has said it is exploring various “cost-saving options” and considering a restructuring of its operations.
Banks are also closing branches as they try to get more customers online.
From April, Barclays will open its shutters at fourteen locations in England, three in Wales and three in Scotland.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for some retailers opening new locations.
Primark said it will open five new stores, with one coming within weeks.
B&M will open six new locations in early 2024, including in former Wilko stores that it took over.
Also, stationary retailer WHSmith has said it plans to open 15 new stores in the UK, but these will not be on the high street.
See the full list of stores opening on the high street in our store overview.