The store on Dudley Street, Wolverhampton, has been open since 1929 but has been performing ‘less well’ after not recovering fully from the Covid pandemic
Marks and Spencer is closing one of its flagship department stores after almost 100 years. The store on Dudley Street, Wolverhampton, has been open since 1929 but has been performing “less well” after not recovering fully from the Covid pandemic.
The supermarket chain has now launched a consultation with the affected workers at the store, the lease of which had been due to expire in 2027. Disappointed shoppers have been reacting to the news on social media.
One person said: “It’s the only reason to go into town.” Another person commented: “Nail in the coffin.” A third said: “Nothing to go to town for when it’s gone!!”
Calum Telford, regional manager at M&S, has explained the reasons behind the closure: “Our UK-wide store rotation programme is all about reshaping for growth and making sure every M&S store delivers the best possible shopping experience for our customers.
“That’s why we have made the tough decision to propose the closure of our Dudley Street store. Sadly, the store has been performing less well for a long period of time and has never fully recovered from the Covid pandemic.
“We remain committed to Wolverhampton and are working closely with the city council to find a suitable alternative food location.”
He added: “I appreciate this will be disappointing news for customers who have shopped with us at the store over the years and I would like to thank them for their support.
“Our priority is continuing conversations with colleagues about what this announcement means for them and if the proposals go ahead, we will offer them alternative roles at M&S wherever possible.”
It comes as part of wider plans announced by M&S in October 2022 to focus more on its food-only stores. M&S wants to reduce its “full line” stores from 247 to 180 by 2028, but will open 104 more Simply Food shops.
M&S said it is investing almost £500million in its “store rotation programme” which will see 3,400 jobs being created.
Councillor Chris Burden, Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said: “We’re obviously disappointed by the news but fully understand M&S’s difficult decision was driven by wider, changing market conditions and customer behaviour.
“We’re grateful to M&S officials for the opportunity to meet with them yesterday (Tuesday) and their commitment to work with us to support staff affected.
“We were also extremely heartened to hear about their continued commitment to our city. The council have pledged to work with M&S to identify suitable locations that fit their new business model.
“In the meantime, we know how unsettling this will be for staff and the city council’s Wolves at Work employment support team is poised to join forces with DWP and a range of city partners to support workers and their families.”