Marks & Spencer has announced it is to speed up its store closure plans, which will see 25% of its bigger stores shut down across the UK.
In the face of what the retailer has called a “difficult economic backdrop” amid the rising cost of living crisis, M&S has said its turnaround plans mean that one in four of its bigger stores selling clothing and homeware are to close their doors, while 104 new Simply Food outlets are to open.
The closures are actually part of previously-announced plans to axe 110 main stores as part of a big overhaul.
But the retailer says it’s now aiming make these changes faster than originally planned.
Although there has been no word yet as to what store may be subject to closure, M&S said in a statement released this week that it would be looking to get rid of “lower productivity” outlets – which would result in the closure of 67 larger outlets.
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In the locations where stores are closing down, M&S assured that this does not necessarily mean the retailer would be leaving a town completely, but could include the closure of an older high street store in a town or city centre, and the opening of a new outlet at an out-of-town retail park.
In order to shift and focus on grocery retail, M&S says it’s also looking at reducing its floor space at stores that sell clothing and homeware by almost a fifth.
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Stuart Machin, Chief Executive at M&S, said the retailer was “creating a fit for the future store estate, with shops in great locations”, adding that: “We’re seeing strong performances from our recently relocated stores and this gives us the confidence to go faster in our rotation plans, whilst at the same time investing in bigger and better food stores.”
The retailer also said it was making these changes at a time when consumer habits are changing, and online purchases are rising to account for 50% of its sales.
M&S says it wants to achieve these changes over the next five years, but is ideally aiming for the closures to have taken place within three.
Featured Image – M&S
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.