Complete List of Marks & Spencer Cafe Closures in the UK
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is facing significant changes as it announces the closure of several cafes across the UK. In total, 14 cafes are either closed or slated to close shortly, with the latest situated in Congleton, Cheshire.
Complete List of Marks & Spencer Cafe Closures in the UK
The decision to terminate these café operations is part of a broader strategy. The cafe space in Congleton will be repurposed to enhance the product range available for shoppers, as stated by M&S regional manager Katie Whelan. Whelan acknowledged the disappointment this news may cause but emphasized the commitment to improving customer shopping experiences.
List of Closing Cafes
- Dunblane, Stirling, Scotland
- Anlaby, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
- Hull Kingswood, East Riding of Yorkshire
- Martlesham Heath, Ipswich
- Maybrook, Canterbury, Kent
- Sittingbourne Retail Park
M&S is not the only supermarket undergoing changes. Morrisons has also shut various cafes and other departments as part of their restructuring efforts. Similarly, Sainsbury’s has closed several in-store cafes to streamline operations.
M&S Expansion Plans Amid Cafe Closures
Despite the cafe closures, M&S is actively exploring new opportunities for expansion. The company has identified 500 potential locations across the UK for new store openings. This initiative aims to establish highly visible and accessible sites that fit the modern shopping environment.
In January, M&S outlined its strategy, focusing on locations that provide ample trading space. The ideal sites will accommodate between 18,000 to 25,000 square feet. Within the M25 corridor, M&S targets sites with excellent transport links and consistent foot traffic to enhance the shopping experience.
New Store Features
The upcoming stores are designed with larger M&S Foodhalls, featuring wider aisles and spacious car parks to accommodate families. Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, confirmed the company’s determination to open more stores, citing strong performance in existing locations as a driving factor.
Freudmann expressed optimism about rapid expansion, stating, “Our team wants new sites for large M&S Food stores to provide the best shopping experience for our customers.”
As M&S navigates these closures and new openings, customers can expect ongoing changes in their local shopping landscapes.
