COMMENT

growth plans. Closing stores isn’t easy, but it is vital for the future of M&S. Where we have closed stores, we are seeing an encouraging number of customers moving to nearby stores and enjoying shopping with us in a better environment, which is why we’re continuing to transform our estate with pace.”

Bayswater, Fleetwood Outlet in Lancashire and Newton Abbot Outlet in Devon will close by the end of July. Clacton in Essex and Holloway Road will both close by early next year.

East Kilbride, Falkirk, Darlington, Kettering, Newmar-

“Where we have closed stores, we are seeing an encouraging number of customers moving to nearby stores and enjoying shopping with us ...”

SACHA BERENDJI