17 February 2023 , 23:16
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Marks and Spencer is proposing the closure of a number of stores across the UK months after its announcement of 67 larger shop closures.
The latest plans include the consultations on a number of stores closing and others relocating as the company looks to focus more attention on its grocery offerings.
The 67 closures announced last October came as the supermarket focuses more of its attention on M&S Simply Food.
Plans also include opening 104 more Simply Food shops - taking the total number of its food-only sites from 316 to 420.
The company is planning for changes to be complete in five years, although this could be reduced to three, as it aims to save around £309million in rent costs.
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In last year's update, the supermarket warned that it faces a £100million hit from soaring energy costs, on top of "unprecedented inflation".
The supermarket giant is said to be focussing more attention on its food offerings (Getty Images)However, it said it will invest £200million in lowering prices of its food and fashion ranges.
The news comes after M&S confirmed a second pay rise for some 40,000 workers, increasing hourly pay to £10.20.
The latest shops under consultation to close or relocate are:
- East Kilbride Shopping Centre - February 25
- Carlton Street, Castleford - end of April
- Meadowbank retail park, Edinburgh - spring
- Newport Road, Cardiff - spring
- Eagles Meadow, Wrexham - autumn
- Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough - April
- Deansgate, Bolton - date to be confirmed
The 67 closures announced last October came as the supermarket focuses more of its attention on food-only outlets (PA)An M&S spokesperson said: "We recently announced that we are investing £480m 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.
"Whilst our store rotation programme involves closing some stores, it also means relocating and opening new stores in locations across the country.
"In this coming year alone, we are opening 20 new stores across the UK, including brand new M&S stores in Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Thurrock and Purley, and new M&S Foodhalls in locations such as Stockport, Wrexham, Barnsley and Largs.”