MARKS and Spencer is to close another store within weeks, but it's actually good news for shoppers.
The closure is part of dozens expected over the next five years, with more set to take place in the coming months.
The M&S store in the Eagles Meadow Foodhall in Wrexham was among those marked for closure, and now a final trading date has been confirmed.
Shoppers will be able to visit the store for the final time on Thursday, November 30.
The M&S cafe will close on the slightly earlier date of Saturday, November 4.
The news comes after M&S revealed it will permanently shut ten of its stores and relocate to new sites this year.
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A post on the retailer's Facebook page reads: "After 15 fantastic years, our cafe doors will close for the final time on Saturday, November 4 at 5pm.
"We've loved every minute of serving our brilliant customers over the years, and we look forward to seeing you in our shiny new Simply Food store."
Fans were quick to comment, with many saying how sad they are to see the store close for good.
One disappointed shopper said: "So sad, end of an era but you're all fabulous."
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Another added: "Thank you so much for all your care and support over the years.
"I am going to miss the cafe. For me, it's been a weekly visit/institution."
This was echoed by another fan, who said: "The best team, I really enjoyed working with you all."
While a third wrote: "The cafe will be sorely missed, lovely place and lovely staff."
But shoppers upset by the loss of the store will be getting a brand new Simply Good store in the nearby Plas Coch Retail Park on December 1.
New flagship M&S stores have popped up in several major UK cities this year, with more openings to come. You can see the full list below:
- Purley Way – opened in April
- Leeds White Rose – opened in May
- Stockport – opened in June
- Liverpool ONE – opened in August
- Birmingham Bullring – to open on November 7
- Uckfield – to open on November 8
- Barnsley – expected Autumn 2023
- Earlsfield – to open on November 16
- Lakeside Thurrock – to open on November 15
- Manchester Trafford Centre – Winter 2023
- Largs – expected Spring 2024
- Dundee – expected Spring 2024
The closures are part of 67 expected over the next five years.
The high street brand is looking to shut some of its "lower productivity, full-line stores" to cut costs.
The full list of M&S closures that have taken place so far this year, or are still to come, can be seen below:
- East Kilbride – closed in February
- Fenchurch Street, London – March
- Meadowbank Retail Park in Edinburgh – April
- Castleford – April
- Bolton – April
- Cardiff – April
- M&S Simply Food store, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester – August
- Swindon – October 28
- Eagles Meadow Foodhall in Wrexham – November 30
- Weymouth town centre, Dorset – exact date yet to be confirmed
The retailer plans to operate 180 full-line and 400 food halls in the next five years.
Other store closures
The rising cost of living means shoppers are thinking carefully before parting with their hard-earned cash.
With most retailers now having an online presence it is even easier for people to get what they want without having to leave the house.
This saves on increased town centre parking charges and also takes away the temptation to spend more money by stopping for lunch or a coffee.
But it is not helping the high street retailers, who despite their best efforts cannot get consumers through their doors.
Many big names are finding it impossible to keep their heads above water and are disappearing from our high streets forever.
Wilko collapsed into administration in August after failing to find a buyer for the business and the last of its stores closed just last week.
Meanwhile, Boots has announced plans to close 300 shops across the country.
Several chains including M&Co and Paperchase are also set to close this year.
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It is not only retailers that are being affected, major banks are also shutting up shop on the high street.
We have the full list of banks closing down for good in October.
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