M&S committed to city despite shop closure - bosses

The store on Dudley Street opened in 1929

Marks & Spencer says it remains committed to staying in Wolverhampton despite its store shutting this weekend, as bosses thanked all staff and customers ahead of the closure.

The chain confirmed in August that its city centre store, which opened in 1929, would close on 27 September, as it changes its high street offering to more food outlets.

Thanking staff "past and present", Calum Telford, regional manager at M&S, said the "search continues for a suitable alternative food location" in Wolverhampton.

Last month, city council leader Stephen Simkins said M&S could return to Wolverhampton at the Banks's Brewery site, which was also closing this autumn, after 150 years in the city.

Speaking to BBC Radio WM, Mr Simkins said after the "devastating blow" of the brewery announcing its closure, the site could become a food hall for the retail giant if negotiations work out.

He said he had been in "direct talks" with M&S directors when the company said it wanted to leave the premises on Dudley Street, which was no longer "fit for purpose".

M&S announced in June that the store was at risk of closure, with staff being offered alternative roles within the business where possible.

The firm stated it was working with the city council to find a location for a food store.

It followed a 2022 announcement from the business that it was aiming to cut the number of "full-line" shops selling food, clothing and homeware from 247 to 180, but open 104 new food stores within six years.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Telford said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers who have shopped at M&S Wolverhampton over the years and to our colleagues, past and present.

"We remain committed to Wolverhampton and our search continues for a suitable alternative food location in the city.

"In the meantime, we will continue working hard to serve customers at our stores across the Black Country, including Merry Hill and our Wednesbury food hall."