M&S poised to shut more of its stores
RETAIL: Marks & Spencer has earmarked another three stores in Yorkshire for closure as part of a move that puts 17 outlets and more than 1,000 jobs at risk across the country.
The announcement forms part of the high street chain’s wider closure programme which impacts on more than 100 stores.
RETAIL GIANT Marks & Spencer has earmarked another three stores in Yorkshire for closure as part of a move that puts 17 outlets and more than 1,000 jobs at risk across the country.
The announcement forms part of the high street chain’s wider closure programme which impacts on more than 100 stores as it tries to transform the business.
In Yorkshire, M&S shops in Hull, Huddersfield and Rotherham are now at risk of being mothballed. If closed, they will join stores in Bridlington and Keighley, which were closed last year.
Also impacted are shops in Ashford, Barrow, Bedford, Boston, Buxton, Deal, Felixstowe, Junction One Antrim Outlet, Luton Arndale, Newark, Northwich, Sutton Coldfield, Weston Super Mare and Cwmbran in Wales.
Their closure will impact 1,045 staff. To date, 1,891 workers have been affected by the closures, but the company said 1,591 of them – more than 80 per cent – had been redeployed to new roles.
M&S said it will enter a period of consultation with employees, with the intention of retaining as many as possible.
There was widespread concern expressed by business leaders in the latest towns and cities hit by the closure programme, many of whom have seen other large-scale retail operations abandon their high streets.
The closure in Huddersfield is understood to affect more than 70 jobs and leaves residents facing a nine-mile journey to their nearest full M&S store.
Steven Leigh, the head of policy and representation at Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, told The Yorkshire Post that high street stores in Huddersfield and elsewhere were increasingly coming up against the impediments of high business rates, expensive parking charges and the pressure from online retail.
“We are very sad to see the Huddersfield store listed for closure,” he said. “M&S is a British institution and residents expect to see an M&S in their local town.
“I hope in the coming months that the jobs affected can be redeployed elsewhere in the business. The proposed Huddersfield BID (business improvement district) will be looking at how we are able to revitalise Huddersfield town centre.”
Paula Varley, M&S head of region for South Yorkshire and East Midlands, said: “Proposing to close M&S Huddersfield has been a difficult decision and we will be fully supporting our colleagues during this process. Over the coming weeks we will be speaking to everyone individually about what is right for them.”
Sacha Berendji, the property director at Marks & Spencer, added: “We’re continuing to transform M&S with pace and as part of this we are making good progress with our plans to close over 100 stores – radically reshaping our store estate to become more relevant for our customers.
“Proposing to close stores is never easy, for our colleagues, customers or the local community, but it is vital for the future of M&S.
“Where we have closed stores, we are continuing to see an encouraging number of customers choosing other nearby locations and shopping on M&S.com.”
But the GMB’s National Officer, Gary Carter, said: “Employees across the sector will be very worried about their job security and wondering which retailer will be next to shed jobs or close down.”
Residents expect to see an M&S in their local town.
Steven Leigh, Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.