High street institution Marks & Spencer has delivered disappointing news to shoppers and staff alike, confirming plans to shut down 11 of its popular in-store cafés across the country.
The retail giant announced the closures as part of a broader restructuring programme that will see several full-line stores either close completely or transition to food-only operations.
Which Locations Are Affected?
The sweeping changes will impact M&S branches in various regions, with café closures confirmed for:
- Birmingham Fort
- Liverpool Church Street
- Manchester Arndale
- Middlesbrough
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Sutton Coldfield
- Wakefield
- Walsall
- Northampton
- Leamington Spa
- Rugeley
Timeline and Wider Impact
The café closures are scheduled to begin in autumn 2024, forming part of a more extensive transformation strategy that affects 14 full-line stores in total.
An M&S spokesperson explained: "We're committed to transforming M&S for future growth, which requires making difficult decisions about our store estate. Proposing to close some of our cafés is never easy, but it's essential for building a stronger, more streamlined business."
What This Means for Customers
While the café closures will disappoint many loyal customers who enjoy M&S's dining experience, the company emphasises that most affected stores will continue operating their food halls and clothing departments.
The move reflects the ongoing challenges facing traditional retailers and the changing shopping habits of British consumers in the post-pandemic era.
M&S has assured that they will work closely with affected employees to find alternative roles within the company wherever possible.
