Three M&S stores in the North West look doomed
Three Marks & Spencer stores in the North West are among 14 earmarked for possible closure.
The iconic retail chain’s Birkenhead store in the Pyramid Shopping Centre is among six for the chop alongside others , Bournemouth, Durham, Fforestfach in Swansea, Putney in south-west London and Redditch.
Consultation is under way on the closure of a further eight stores, including one in Stockport and in Denton, Greater Manchester.
The others are in Andover, Basildon, Bridlington, Falmouth, Fareham and Keighley.
In total the stores employ 468 staff, who will be offered redeployment to other shops or redundancy.
Sacha Berendji, director of retail at Marks & Spencer, said: “Stores will always be an integral part of our customer experience, alongside M&S.com, but we have to ensure we have the right offer in the right locations.
“We don’t want any colleagues to leave M&S and we will work with each colleague individually on what is best for them as we endeavour to give everyone a role. However, we accept in some cases we may have to consider redundancy.
“We believe these changes are vital for the future of M&S and we will continue to accelerate the programme, taking tough but necessary decisions, as we focus on making M&S special.”
A statement from Stockport Council issued in the wake of the announcement yesterday (Wednesday, January 31) said it was “disappointed, but not surprised” about the move, which looks like seeing the closure of the outlet in the Merseyway Shopping Centre.
Cllr Kate Butler, cabinet member for cconomy and regeneration at Stockport Council said: “Whilst we want to keep Marks & Spencer in Stockport, we are not surprised by the news.
“Our priority now is to work closely with them to discuss their plans for Stockport, as we very much see Marks & Spencer as part of our vision for the town centre.
“We will therefore be looking closely at the opportunities our regeneration plans offer them for the future, as well as to support their staff many of whom will be local residents.”
