Marks & Spencer has confirmed it will close its long-standing branch on St Mary Street in Weymouth on Tuesday, July 14, after 93 years on the high street. The store will relocate to a new superstore at Weymouth Gateway Retail Park in Dorset, which opens the following day, July 15.
New store details
The new location at Gateway Retail Park offers 41,000 square feet of retail space, more than double the size of the existing St Mary Street branch. It will include a food hall, cafe, full-line fashion, home and beauty offerings, and an in-store bakery.
Local reaction
The closure has upset some local shoppers. One resident called it a "big big mistake." Another said: "I really am quite sad, it's been part of my life since I was at college in Weymouth in the 70s. I like going in most days for bits and pieces." A third noted they will need to take "two buses" to reach the new store, while a fourth lamented another empty shop on the high street.
M&S relocation strategy
The move is part of M&S's broader relocation strategy. The chain has opened two new city centre full-line stores: one at Bath Southgate in February and another at Bristol's Cabot Circus last November. M&S Food branches have also recently opened in Hatfield, Luton, Farnham, and Oxfordshire. Additionally, the Clapham Junction branch is set for a makeover, closing from July 11 to September 2.
