County Square M&S store still empty 12 months on

Chamber of trade groups have agreed the chances of former M&S stores now being filled are “minimal”.

This week marks one year since the retail giant closed its Ashford branch on May 4 after 85 years in the town, as part of its programme to reshape its UK store estate.

While there was optimism new life could be injected into the sizeable high street unit and M&S says it remains committed to doing so - the outbreak of coronavirus has cast further doubt over the likelihood.

Now, chamber groups say they must focus on ensuring existing businesses can survive the pandemic and then be open to other options for the space, rather than a like-for-like replacement.

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jo James says it’s hard to measure the impact the closure of Ashford’s store has had on the town.

Particularly as it was followed by the departure of Debenhams on January 24 and more recently the pandemic.

She said: “I’m not surprised it hasn’t been filled.

“Before the pandemic we were seeing a dip in retail; we were seeing store closures.

“It’s another challenge the high street really didn’t need.

“Naturally all the partners have been looking closely at the town centre and its changing shape.

“Now, we need to look at repurposing the town centre, not necessary as a retail hub.

“We shouldn’t be looking for something like-for-like.

“We need to see what else we could do to make this a community space, perhaps something in the leisure or service industry.”

Deal’s store closed slightly before Ashford’s on April 27, 2019 after 82 years of trading, despite a petition against the proposal gaining 3,000 signatures in 24-hours.

Chairman of Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade Peter Jull says there is a “minimal prospect of a new tenant in M&S”.

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