Retail giant Marks & Spencer has set a firm date for the closure of its flagship Marble Arch store, a landmark on Oxford Street for nearly a century. The shutters will come down for the final time on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, marking a significant moment for London's shopping scene.
The decision is a key part of M&S's radical transformation strategy, which involves shifting its focus away from expensive city centre locations towards larger, out-of-town stores offering full food halls and clothing departments. The company stated the costly, multi-level Marble Arch building is no longer fit for purpose in the modern retail landscape.
What's Next for the Iconic Site?
While the current store will close, plans are already in motion to replace it with a new, modern retail and office development. This new building, situated directly opposite the old site, is slated to open in early 2029. M&S has emphasised its commitment to remaining on Oxford Street, just in a more sustainable and suitable format for the future.
A Blow to the High Street?
The closure of such an iconic anchor store has raised concerns about the health of the UK's most famous shopping street. However, M&S insists this move is essential for its long-term growth. The company is investing hundreds of millions of pounds into its store rotation programme, simultaneously opening new, larger locations while closing older, less profitable ones.
Shoppers are being directed to other central London branches at Pantheon on Oxford Street and Stratford City. The closure will inevitably impact footfall in the area, but M&S believes its future-focused strategy will secure its position for decades to come.
