Marks and Spencer announces closure of another store in blow to UK city | UK | News

Marks and Spencer has confirmed that one of its long-running Yorkshire stores will close, dealing a fresh blow to the city center already struggling with falling footfall. The retailer has announced that its Kirkgate branch in Wakefield will close after decades of trading, but a final closing date has not yet been given.

The company said the decision reflects how customers prefer to shop, with more people shopping online or traveling to larger retail parks rather than traditional high street locations. The news has been disappointing locally, as Wakefield continues to face pressure from declining visitor numbers and rising running costs.

Following the announcement, the following message was shared in a Facebook group: “We are sorry to announce that M&S ​​will be closing its Kirkgate store after many years in Wakefield town centre.”

While many local residents voiced their disappointment in the comments section, one shopper said: “This used to be my family’s favorite store.” Another asked: “Why are all the shops closing these days?”

Responding to the news, Wakefield BID added: “Whilst this represents a change to Wakefield town centre, it reflects a wider shift in strategy taking place across the UK rather than a decision based on local town center performance.

“M&S has been moving away from traditional city center department stores for several years across the country, responding to changing shopping habits and investing in different store formats.

“As high streets continue to develop, towns and cities across the country have experienced similar closures and relocations.

“No single retailer can define the future of Wakefield town centre. Its strength lies in its mix of business, activities and experience and its ability to adapt to patterns that continue to change.

“Wakefield BID will focus on supporting the town centre, supporting its businesses and keeping Wakefield a place where people want to visit, spend time and do business.”

Retail analysts say Wakefield is not alone. Established stores in towns and city centers across Britain are seen examining whether older units survive.

Many large chains are shifting their investments to fewer, larger sites as they remodel their properties.

The Center for Retail Research has warned that thousands more are likely to close next year.

Its latest forecast suggests around 17,350 retail stores could close in 2025, up 28% from the previous year, after a tough 2024 that saw nearly 13,000 stores permanently close.

Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the centre, said the trend remained worrying.

He added: “The 2024 results show that although the consequences of store closures are not overall as bad as in 2020 or 2022, they are still worrying and worse is to come.”

Retailers are facing a combination of rising costs and weakening consumer spending.

Changes to employer National Insurance contributions will add £2.3bn in costs to the industry from April, according to the British Retail Consortium.

At the same time, the national minimum wage will rise to £12.21 per hour; Wages for workers aged 18-20 will increase by £1.40 to £10 per hour.

Industry groups say these pressures come on top of high energy costs and the ongoing impact of the cost of living crisis, which has led many households to cut back on non-essential purchases.

Professor Bamfield warned that the combination of falling demand and rising bills could push job losses to levels not seen since the pandemic.

He said: “It is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the peak of the pandemic in 2020, with both store running costs and costs for each consumer household rising.”