Marks and Spencer has announced the closure of 14 in-store cafes, including 13 stores in England and one in Scotland. The retailer explained that this is part of a store restructuring plan to "provide more product choice and improve the shopping experience."
All affected cafes in England and Scotland are expected to close this year
Shoppers took to social media to share their frustration, with one saying: "Nearly always used to do our shopping then go to the cafe. Staff reckon they've lost customers because of the cafe closing." Another one said: "They have closed the cafe in my local store and used the space to make a self-checkout area. Hate it." A third one added: "Crazy, the cafes are always busy, then most people will buy something in the store too!" "I like to have a coffee and then do my shopping. Probably wouldn't bother if no cafe," said another upset customer.
M&S cafes serve high-quality coffee, sandwiches, and hot food
They also offer deals for shoppers over 60, including a 10% senior discount. Marks & Spencer also has a popular kids' menu for £4.50 and offers a free slice of cake for parents in the mornings.
The retailer's regional manager, Katie Whelan, said: "We are re-purposing the café space in-store to provide more product choice and improve the shopping experience. We understand this will be disappointing news for some of our customers; however, our teams will continue working hard to serve them in-store."
Full list of M&S cafes 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, Cheshire
- Bishop Auckland, Durham
- South Aylesford, Kent
- Strood Retail Park, Kent
- Whitstable, Kent
- Canterbury, Kent
- Sittingbourne Retail Park, Kent
