Marks & Spencer announces next 17 stores to close down with 1,045 jobs at risk

Retailer unveiled plans to shut 100 branches last year after strugging to improve sales over recent years

Marks & Spencer has confirmed the next 17 stores to be closed down, as part of its plan to shut 100 branches by 2022 in a bid to battle tough conditions on the high street.

The retailer said the closures would impact 1,045 employees. The company has entered into consultation with those affected and said it hopes to keep as many staff as possible.

Sacha Berendji, retail, operations and property director at Marks & Spencer, said: “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.c

So far, the company has closed 30 stores, affecting 1,891 colleagues, 1,591 of whom have been transferred to other roles within M&S.

The 17 stores announced on Tuesday are:

• Ashford
• Barrow
• Bedford
• Boston
• Buxton
• Cwmbran
• Deal
• Felixstowe
• Huddersfield
• Hull
• Junction One Antrim Outlet
• Luton Arndale
• Newark
• Northwich
• Rotherham
• Sutton Coldfield
• Weston Super Mare

Marks & Spencer has not yet revealed a deadline for the latest tranche of closures.