Marks and Spencer has permanently closed its historic Stall Street branch in Bath, which had been trading for an impressive 93 years. The iconic retailer shuttered the doors of this landmark location as part of a strategic relocation, moving all operations to its new flagship store at Southgate, also situated within Bath. Staff from the old store have been transferred to the new site to ensure continuity of service.
In-Store Café Closures Announced
In a significant operational shift, Marks and Spencer has also confirmed the closure of multiple in-store cafés across the United Kingdom. The company is repurposing these café spaces to allocate more room for an expanded range of products, aiming to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
One specific closure highlighted is the M&S café located at Barn Road in Congleton, Cheshire. This move is designed to make way for a broader selection of merchandise, reflecting changing consumer habits and the retailer's focus on product diversity.
Management Comments on Strategic Changes
Katie Whelan, Marks and Spencer's regional manager, provided insight into the decision-making process. "After conducting a thorough review of our Congleton store, we have made the strategic choice to repurpose the café space in-store," Whelan explained. "This adjustment will allow us to offer increased product choice and significantly improve the shopping experience for our valued customers."
She acknowledged the potential disappointment among some patrons, stating, "We understand this will be disappointing news for some of our customers; however, our dedicated teams will continue working tirelessly to serve them in-store with the same high standards they expect from M&S."
Ambitious Expansion Plans Unveiled
Despite these closures, Marks and Spencer has simultaneously revealed ambitious expansion plans for the future. The retailer intends to launch approximately 500 new stores across England in the coming years, signaling a robust growth strategy.
In 2026 alone, Marks and Spencer confirmed it will open seven new branches, comprising both full-line stores and specialized food halls. Among these new openings is the brand new Putney High Street store in London, which has already commenced operations.
Store Manager Enthusiastic About New Openings
Gianina Socotinschi, Store Manager at the newly opened M&S Putney High Street location, expressed considerable enthusiasm about the launch. "We are absolutely thrilled to return to Putney High Street with a fantastic food store for our customers," Socotinschi told Express.co.uk.
She elaborated on the positive reception, noting, "There was a brilliant atmosphere for the opening, and we have an extensive array of products on offer for customers to explore. This includes our popular Nutrient Dense range alongside exciting new seasonal launches."
"The entire team and I are eagerly looking forward to serving customers and showcasing the quality, trusted value, and innovation that Marks and Spencer is renowned for," Socotinschi added.
Detailed List of Closures and Openings
M&S Stores Closing:
- Stall Street store in Bath – closed on February 3
M&S Cafés Closing:
- Crawley, West Sussex
- Dunblane, Stirling, Scotland
- Congleton, Cheshire
- Stone, Staffordshire
- Anlaby, East Riding of Yorkshire
- Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
- Martlesham Heath, Ipswich
- Bidston Moss
- Bishop Auckland
- South Aylesford, Kent
- Strood Retail Park, Kent
- Whitstable, Kent
- Canterbury, Kent
- Sittingbourne Retail Park
M&S Stores Opening in 2026:
- Bath Southgate (full-line) – opened on February 4
- Putney High Street (food) – opened on February 25
- Hatfield Oldings Corner (food) – date to be confirmed
- Luton Bramingham (food) – date to be confirmed
- Farnham (food) – date to be confirmed
- Abingdon Fairacres (food) – date to be confirmed
- Godalming (food) – date to be confirmed
This dual strategy of selective closures and aggressive expansion underscores Marks and Spencer's adaptive approach to the evolving retail landscape, balancing legacy locations with modern consumer demands.
