‘It’s a massive blow’ sob shoppers as M&S to shut ANOTHER branch following a wave of closures

M&S is set to shut another branch following a wave of closures leaving shoppers “devastated”.

The popular retailer has recently announced it is closing down its Hexham shop in Northumberland.

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Staff were informed of the plans to close the store this week although a date has yet to be confirmed.

In 2022 the retailer announced that it was shutting 67 “lower productivity” stores as part of the 110 stores earmarked to close.

Since then it has shut stores across the country in locations such as Manchester, Swindon, Birmingham, and Sunderland.

A spokesperson for Marks and Spencer said the Hexham branch closure was part of its “store rotation programme”.

They added: “We have announced that we are investing £480 million in bigger, better stores across the UK.

“Our store rotation and investment programme is about making sure we have the right stores, in the right place, with the right space.”

In the last year, the retailer has opened 22 new stores and store renewals including brand-new stores in Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham and Thurrock.

This also included opening up new foodhalls in locations such as Stockport, Wresham, Barnsley and Clacton.

However, this is not much comfort to the locals of Hexham who have described the decision as a “massive blow” for the area.

Residents have been taking to social media to share their thoughts on the loss of the store.

One person said: “Very sad news, sadly not unexpected.”

Another added: “Dreadful, I am really sad about it.”

While another said: “A massive blow for Hexham, another shop that will sit empty for years.”

Philp Barker-Thomson, M&S regional manager said: “Our priority now is to talk to our colleagues about what this announcement means for them.

“Should the proposals go ahead, we will offer them alternative roles with M&S wherever possible.”

It comes as many retailers are struggling to survive on the high street, with some big names even disappearing forever.

The most recent shop is the iconic beauty chain The Body Shop which has recently collapsed into administration.

It announced last week that it would be closing almost half of its 198 stores with seven sites shutting immediately.

Administrators for the high street stalwart said that its current range of stores “is no longer viable” but the move to restructure will “secure the brand’s future”.

Since then retail giant Next has approached administrators about striking a potential deal to save the troubled chain.

Next is known for snapping up struggling retailers and just last year bought high street fashion chain Fatface for £115.2million.

The company also intervened to rescue furniture retailer Made, and also agreed to buy struggling lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret.

What else is happening on the high street?

The face of the high street is changing due to several factors including the rising cost of living and the increase of internet shopping.

Since the covid pandemic shops have been replaced by empty units as retailers look to size down their store portfolios or wrap up altogether.

It is not just smaller businesses that are struggling either, it is big-name retailers and brands.

Fashion brand Superdry has said it is looking at various “cost-saving options” and looking at a restructuring of its business.

Pharmacy chain Boots also revealed it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.

Banks are also shutting down branches as they look to move more customers online.

Barclays is pulling the shutters down on 14 sites in England, three in Wales and three in Scotland as soon as April.

However, it is not all doom and gloom some retailers are opening new locations.

Primark said it will open five new branches, and one is coming in just weeks.

B&M is opening six new locations at the start of 2024, including in former Wilko stores it has taken over.

Also, stationary retailer WHSmith has said it intends to open 15 new stores across the UK but they won’t be on the high street.

See the full list of shops opening on the high street in our store round-up.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk