A MAJOR retailer is closing one of its branches within days – with dozens more set to pull down their shutters for the final time.
Marks and Spencer is shutting its branch in Linthorpe Road, Middlesborough, on April 15.
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It comes as the supermarket chain closed its Fenchurch Street store in London on March 31.
Meanwhile, its store in Meadowbank retail park, Edinburgh, pulled down its shutters for the last time on April 1 and the branch in Eastkilbride shut on February 25.
The retailer is also set to close four more branches, although specific dates are yet to be confirmed.
The four stores that will close are:
- Newport Road, Cardiff – spring
- Eagles Meadow, Wrexham – autumn
- Deansgate, Bolton – date to be confirmed
- Carlton Street, Castleford – end of April
The closures are part of 67 expected over the next five years as M&S looks to shut some of its “lower productivity, full line stores”.
But the retailer also plans to open 104 new “bigger and fresher” stores – and some could be in the same areas as those closing.
Last year, the business said it wanted to reduce its number of clothing and home shops down to 180 from 247 shops.
But it said it plans to expand its Simply Food shops from 316 to 420.
Many are expected to reopen in the same area or location as sites earmarked for closure.
It comes as M&S faces a £100million hit in its finances due to soaring energy costs and rising inflation.
What other shops are closing?
Retailers have been struggling for years due to the increase in popularity of online shopping and reduced footfall following the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, soaring inflation means consumers have less money to spend and are cutting back.
Combined with increased energy and staffing costs, many retailers are feeling the pinch, and it’s not just M&S.
Stationery giant Paperchase started closing its 106 stores in March after collapsing into administration.
Some of its branches in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester have already closed for good.
Meanwhile, M&Co is set to close all 170 of its stores forever, with two shutting within days.
B&Q closed eight stores last month too.
A number of retailers are closing stores for good this month.
In other shopping news, B&M shoppers are rushing to buy an air fryer with 33% off.
Plus, Poundland opened three new stores yesterday, April 8.
