The Truth Behind M&S Closures: How Changing Habits Reshape Retail

The Truth Behind M&S Closures: How Changing Habits Reshape Retail

Marks & Spencer, a venerable institution on the British high street, is once again in the spotlight as news of more M&S store closing announcements circulate. While such headlines can spark concern among loyal shoppers and employees, it's crucial to understand that these moves are not signs of a brand in decline, but rather a calculated, long-term strategy to adapt to a rapidly evolving retail landscape. M&S is embarking on a significant transformation, aiming to forge a leaner, smarter, and more digitally integrated presence that truly reflects modern consumer behaviour. This strategic overhaul, which gained momentum in early 2025, is about more than just reducing the number of physical stores; it's about building a future-proof retail model.

Understanding the M&S Strategy: Beyond Just Closures

The narrative surrounding M&S store closures often focuses solely on the reduction of physical locations, but this overlooks the intricate strategy at play. Marks & Spencer has been on a phased restructuring journey for several years, actively pruning underperforming or outdated sites while simultaneously making substantial investments. These investments span across modern food halls, enhanced online platforms, and the creation of state-of-the-art retail hubs designed for an integrated shopping experience. In early 2025, M&S confirmed plans to close approximately 30 additional stores across the UK by the end of the fiscal year. This follows a broader initiative, initially announced in 2022, to significantly reduce its full-line stores – those offering clothing, homeware, and food – from 247 to around 180. According to official company statements, the affected stores are primarily older, less energy-efficient sites and those in high-rent urban locations that have experienced declining footfall. Stuart Machin, M&S Chief Executive, succinctly captured the essence of this shift in a January 2025 press release, stating, “This is not about retreating; it’s about reshaping. We are building a modern M&S that meets customers where they are — in stores that inspire and online spaces that deliver.” This vision paints a picture of a more agile M&S, one that is strategically positioning itself for sustained relevance and growth in the decades to come. To truly grasp the future vision for the brand, it's worth exploring Why M&S Stores Are Closing in 2025: Reshaping for a Digital Future.

The Forces Driving M&S Store Closures in 2025

Several powerful trends are converging to necessitate this strategic shift, making the decision to close specific M&S stores an unavoidable part of the company's evolution.

Shifting Consumer Habits and the Digital Revolution

Perhaps the most significant catalyst behind the M&S store closing strategy is the dramatic alteration in consumer shopping habits. The rise of e-commerce has fundamentally reshaped how people discover, purchase, and interact with brands. Online retail sales now account for a staggering more than 40% of M&S's total clothing and home revenue, a substantial jump from just 25% before 2020. The global pandemic acted as an accelerant for this trend, pushing even previously hesitant shoppers towards digital platforms, a shift that has proven to be largely irreversible. Today's customers often prefer a hybrid shopping experience. This might involve browsing extensive collections online, ordering items for convenient click-and-collect, or visiting only select flagship stores for specific in-person services and experiences. This means that older, standalone locations with dwindling sales figures simply cannot justify their high operational costs in an era where digital storefronts never close. Retailers, including M&S, must master omnichannel strategies to succeed, seamlessly blending online and offline touchpoints to meet customers on their terms.

Property Costs, Regional Shifts, and the Appeal of Retail Parks

Another critical factor influencing the M&S store closing decisions is the escalating burden of property and energy costs. Operating in prime city-centre locations, particularly in bustling hubs like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, has become increasingly expensive. These costs often outweigh the diminishing returns from footfall. In response, M&S is strategically prioritising retail parks and suburban hubs. These locations typically offer larger, more modernised premises that allow for a seamless integration of food, clothing, and digital services, often with ample parking – a major draw for today’s busy consumer. This strategic pivot aligns with M&S's 2023 announcement to open 20 new "next-generation" stores by 2026, focusing on key growth regions such as Leeds, Nottingham, and the South West. This move signifies a broader shift in retail away from traditional high street dominance towards more accessible, integrated retail destinations.

A Push Towards Sustainability and Operational Efficiency

Sustainability has rapidly moved from a peripheral concern to a core pillar of corporate strategy for many forward-thinking businesses, and M&S is no exception. The company's drive towards a more sustainable business model plays a direct role in its store rationalisation. Many of the M&S stores closing are identified as older, less energy-efficient buildings that contribute disproportionately to the company's carbon footprint and operational overheads. By replacing these with modern, purpose-built stores, M&S can implement the latest in energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and sustainable operational practices. This not only reduces their environmental impact but also significantly improves long-term operational efficiency and cost savings. It aligns with growing consumer demand for brands that demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental responsibility.

Focus on Food-Only and Modernising the Full-Line Offer

A distinctive element of the M&S strategy is its dual focus: capitalising on its hugely successful food division while simultaneously refining its clothing and home offer. Many of the closures impact full-line stores, allowing M&S to concentrate on opening new, larger food-only outlets or integrating state-of-the-art food halls within its next-generation full-line stores. M&S Food has long been a jewel in the brand's crown, known for quality and innovation. By strategically separating or enhancing the food offering, M&S can cater more effectively to the immediate, convenience-driven needs of shoppers, drawing them in more frequently. Concurrently, the remaining and new full-line stores are being designed to offer a more inspiring, curated, and efficient shopping experience for clothing and homeware, reflecting the brand’s ongoing commitment to quality and style.

What This Means for Shoppers and the Future of Retail

For long-standing M&S customers, the news of an M&S store closing in their area can certainly be unsettling. However, this strategic rebalancing also presents new opportunities. The "next-generation" stores are designed to be destinations – offering integrated food, clothing, and home sections, often with enhanced digital services like in-store ordering and improved click-and-collect facilities. These aren't just shops; they're comprehensive retail experiences tailored to the modern shopper. Loyal customers are encouraged to explore the revamped M&S website and app, which now offer a vast selection and convenient delivery options. The shift also means that where a full-line store closes, a new, larger food hall might open nearby, or an existing one might be expanded, ensuring continued access to the beloved M&S food range. Understanding the full scope of these changes, and how they might affect your shopping habits, is crucial. For more detailed insights, consider reading M&S Store Closures 2025: Impact & What's Next for Shoppers. The M&S strategy serves as a powerful microcosm of the broader shifts happening across the retail sector. Retailers that fail to adapt to the omnichannel imperative, the demand for sustainable practices, and the evolving economic realities of property costs risk being left behind. M&S's resilience and adaptability underscore a commitment not just to survive, but to thrive in this dynamic environment.

Navigating the New Retail Landscape: Insights for Consumers and Businesses

The ongoing M&S store closing initiatives offer valuable insights for both consumers and other retail businesses. For Consumers: * Embrace the Omnichannel: Get comfortable with blending online and in-store shopping. Use websites for discovery, apps for offers, and physical stores for experiences or immediate needs. * Explore New Formats: Don't dismiss the new generation of retail parks or suburban hubs. They often offer greater convenience and a wider range of integrated services. * Stay Informed: Keep an eye on M&S's official announcements regarding new store openings and service updates in your region. For Businesses: * Adapt or Fall Behind: The M&S story is a stark reminder that even heritage brands must constantly innovate. Agility and a willingness to pivot are non-negotiable. * Invest in Omnichannel: A strong online presence is no longer optional; it must be seamlessly integrated with the physical footprint. * Sustainability is Key: Incorporating environmental responsibility into operational decisions is not just good for the planet but also resonates with increasingly conscious consumers. * Understand Property Dynamics: Regularly review your property portfolio. High-rent, low-footfall locations are often unsustainable in the long run. Focus on value, accessibility, and potential for integrated experiences.

Conclusion

The headline "M&S store closing" might initially sound negative, but the reality is far more nuanced. These strategic decisions are pivotal to M&S's long-term health and relevance. By shedding older, less efficient stores and investing heavily in a digital-first, sustainable, and modern retail estate, M&S is not retreating but rather forging a robust foundation for its future. This transformation reflects a deep understanding of today's consumer – one who values convenience, quality, experience, and ethical practices. As M&S continues to reshape its footprint, it reinforces its position as an enduring presence in the UK retail landscape, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of a dynamic new era.