Marks and Spencer will be closing its iconic department store on Dudley Street in Wolverhampton, which has been in operation since 1929. The store’s performance has been subpar following the impact of the Covid pandemic, leading to the decision to shut it down.
The supermarket chain has initiated discussions with the store’s employees, as the lease was set to expire in 2027. Customers have expressed their disappointment on social media platforms upon hearing the news.
Calum Telford, the regional manager at M&S, cited the need for restructuring and enhancing the shopping experience for customers as the rationale behind the closure of the Dudley Street store. Despite the closure, M&S is dedicated to Wolverhampton and is collaborating with the city council to identify an alternate food location.
In line with M&S’s strategy announced in October 2022, the company aims to shift its focus towards food-only stores, reducing the number of “full line” stores from 247 to 180 by 2028 while opening 104 additional Simply Food outlets. The company plans to invest nearly £500 million in its store rotation program, creating 3,400 new jobs.
Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city development, jobs, and skills, Councillor Chris Burden, acknowledged the challenges faced by M&S and expressed gratitude for the company’s commitment to the city. The council is prepared to collaborate with M&S to identify suitable locations aligned with the company’s revised business model.
The closure of the Dudley Street store underscores broader shifts in market dynamics and consumer behavior, necessitating adaptability from retailers like M&S. The city council is prepared to support affected staff members through employment assistance programs in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and other local organizations.