M&S Dorchester store earmarked for closure

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jul 24, 2019

Marks & Spencer has revealed where the next store closure will be as it moves forward with plans to shut more than 100 branches by 2022.

The Dorchester branch on South Street in Dorset has been earmarked for closure, in a move that puts 53 jobs at risk of redundancy.

The British retailer has already closed 47 stores under plans to bring its store estate in line with changing consumer behaviours. In May the business reported a fall in both sales and profits, as it was hit by its store closure programme and lower like-for-like clothing and food sales.

M&S has launched a consultation process with the store staff, saying they will have the option to redeploy within the business.

A spokesperson said: “Shopping habits are changing and we're reshaping our store estate to meet the needs of today's customer.”

Customers will still be able to order products from the M&S website and visit nearby stores in Dorset, including in Weymouth and Blandford.

A further 85 Marks & Spencer shops are expected to close by 2024.

The retailer is not only trimming its store estate. It is also hiring fresh talent to help it attract more shoppers as competition with online retailers continues to put a dent in its sales. 

Earlier this year it poached Maddy Evans from Topshop to help it revive clothing sales as new head of buying. She is expected to join the business in November, bringing with her a wealth of experience buying for a younger age group. It follows the departure of clothing managing director Jill McDonald two weeks ago.