Marks and Spencer issue statement on Worcester store's future

The future of the city centre store on High Street has been thrown into doubt after the retail giant released it will be closing 25 per cent of its larger stores.

M&S stores selling clothes and home goods are likely to close to make way for 100 new Simply Food outlets on the High Street.

When asked about the city's store, M&S CEO Stuart Machin said: "We are creating a fit for the future store estate, with shops in great locations -  that help our customers shop the way they want to.

"We’re seeing strong performances from our recently relocated stores and this gives us the confidence to go faster in our rotation plans, whilst at the same time investing in bigger and better Food stores."

Closures are set to target 'lower productivity' outlets and M&S bosses aim for the store closures to be ideally completed in the next three years. 

This means the number of clothes and homeware stores would be reduced from 247 currently to around 180 shops by 2028. 

READ MORE: M&S: Worcester shoppers react to the news about M&S' future

Marks and Spencer in Worcester Picture: Newsquest (Image: Marks and Spencer in Worcester Picture: Newsquest)

Moving forward M&S will be focusing on selling food and groceries to its customers. 

Several businesses have been facing troubles due to the cost of living crisis and the company has cited the need to deal with the 'difficult economic backdrop' as the reason for the change in strategy.  

M&S recently committed to a pay rise for over £40,000 staff members. 

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The pay rise impacts the staff with the lowest wages because it means they will be paid at least £10.20 an hour from October having previously been upped to £10 in April. 

And the package of changes will cost the business around £15 million a year. 

M&S arrived in Worcester in 1907 and has built up a long list of loyal shoppers over the years. 

Ken Allen claims Worcester's M&S to be 'the best one'Picture: Newsquest (Image: Ken Allen claims Worcester's M&S to be 'the best one'Picture: Newsquest)

Stella Kelley said: "I go to Marks and Spencer but it would be another hit for the High Street, we've lost Debenhams and Woolworths. 

"My generation doesn't use the internet, I like to go into the store and shop. 

"Shopping online might be quicker, but I like to look in the store and get a feel for the quality and have a look at different things. 

Ms Kelley said she would be devastated if M&S closed.