Proposed closure of Sutton Coldfield Marks & Spencer store ‘a major blow’

The proposed closure of the Marks & Spencer store in Sutton Coldfield highlights the need to bring about major improvements to the town centre, business leaders have said.

The store in the Royal Town’s main high-street is among 16 facing closure across the UK.

The retailer said up to 1,000 jobs are under threat nationally, with 96 of those in Sutton Coldfield.

The proposals are part of the retailer’s five-year plan to shut more than 100 stores by 2022.

The company wants to move a third of its sales online and plans to have fewer stores in better locations.

Katie Hale

Katie Hale, president of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, described the announcement as “a major blow” to the town.

She said key stakeholders – including the Chamber and the Town Council – must work together to drive necessary improvements.

She said: “We are saddened to learn of the (proposed) closure of the Marks & Spencer store in Sutton Coldfield and naturally we hope that job losses are kept to a minimum.

“This is undoubtedly a major blow to the town centre and further highlights the need to drive forward improvements to ensure Sutton Coldfield will prosper in the future.

“This includes enhancing accessibility, improving the overall environment and doing more to promote our town.

“The Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council as part of the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership in order to help shape these improvements, as we strive to achieve our shared aim of making the town a better place to work, live and visit.”

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street tweeted: “I deeply regret the loss of this iconic part of Sutton Coldfield High Street. This bad news underlines the importance of the Town Council’s work and ambitions to develop the centre. I will work with them and MP Andrew Mitchell to secure a prosperous future.”

The other stores that could close are: Ashford, Barrow, Bedford, Boston, Buxton, Cwmbran, Deal, Felixstowe, Huddersfield, Hull, Junction One Antrim Outlet, Luton Arndale, Newark, Northwich, Rotherham, and Weston Super Mare.

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