M&S Announces Another Cafe Closure in Waterlooville Following 14 Nationwide Shutdowns
Marks & Spencer has delivered another brutal blow to its customers with the confirmation of an additional cafe closure, coming just one week after the announcement of 14 other shutdowns across the United Kingdom. The retail giant is set to close its cafe located at Wellington Retail Park in Waterlooville, repurposing the space to make way for a new and expanded foodhall instead.
Shoppers Express Disappointment Over Closure
Local shoppers have reacted with sadness and frustration to the news. One customer stated, “Really gutted about this,” while another echoed, “Such a shame.” This closure is part of a broader trend, as M&S has shuttered a number of on-site cafes in recent months, including locations in:
- 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 Explains Strategic Shift to Foodhall Expansion
Rebecca Rabadia, Regional Manager at M&S, provided insight into the decision, stating, “We know many of our customers want to be able to shop a wider range of M&S Food. That’s why after reviewing our Waterlooville store, we are re-purposing the café space next month to offer even more delicious products, including more Select Farms produce.” She acknowledged the disappointment but assured that the team will continue to serve customers in-store.
This move aligns with the company's broader strategy, as highlighted by Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, who previously said, “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth. Our team want new sites where we could open a large M&S Food store as we deliver on our strategy to bring the right stores to the right places and offer the best shopping experience, range and availability for our customers.”
Future Expansion Plans and Site Requirements
In line with this strategy, M&S is actively seeking new sites across the UK capable of delivering trading space of 18,000 square feet, with a gross area of 25,000 square feet. This indicates a significant shift towards larger food-focused stores, potentially at the expense of traditional cafe offerings. The closure in Waterlooville serves as a clear example of this evolving retail approach, reflecting changing consumer preferences and market demands.
