Marks & Spencer, one of the UK’s most iconic retail brands, is undergoing another significant transformation in 2025 as part of a long-term strategy to adapt to the rapidly evolving retail landscape. Recent announcements of multiple M&S stores closing have sparked concern among loyal shoppers and employees alike. However, this shift is part of a broader plan to modernise operations, optimise costs, and focus on digital growth.
In essence, while the closures may seem alarming, they mark a new era for M&S — one driven by technology, sustainability, and efficiency, aiming to create a leaner, smarter retail presence across the UK.
Understanding the M&S Store Closures
Marks & Spencer’s decision to close a number of its physical stores is not new. The company began a phased restructuring several years ago, targeting underperforming or outdated stores while investing heavily in food halls, online platforms, and modern retail hubs.
In early 2025, M&S confirmed plans to close around 30 more stores across the UK by the end of the fiscal year, following a broader initiative announced in 2022 to reduce its full-line stores (those selling clothing, homeware, and food) from 247 to around 180.
According to the company’s official statements, the closures primarily affect older, less energy-efficient stores and high-rent urban locations that have seen declining footfall due to online shopping and post-pandemic behavioural shifts.
Chief Executive Stuart Machin said in a January 2025 press release, “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.”
Why Are M&S Stores Closing in 2025?
Changing Consumer Habits
One of the biggest drivers of store closures is the change in how consumers shop. Online retail sales now account for more than 40% of total M&S clothing and home revenue, compared to just 25% before 2020. The pandemic accelerated this trend, and it has not reversed.
Customers now prefer hybrid shopping experiences — browsing online, ordering via click-and-collect, or visiting only select flagship stores for in-person service. As a result, older locations with declining sales no longer justify the operational costs.
Property Costs and Regional Shifts
M&S has also been impacted by soaring property and energy costs. City centre locations, particularly in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, are increasingly expensive to operate.
Instead, the company is prioritising retail parks and suburban hubs that allow for larger, modernised stores with integrated food, clothing, and digital services.
This mirrors the 2023 strategy announcement, when M&S said it would open 20 new “next-generation” stores by 2026, focusing on regions such as Leeds, Nottingham, and the South West.
The Push Toward Sustainability
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of M&S’s business model. Many older stores built before 1990 are energy-intensive and difficult to retrofit. Closing them allows the company to move toward its “Plan A” sustainability goals, which include achieving net-zero emissions across operations by 2040.
Modern stores now feature solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy-efficient refrigeration systems — critical steps in reducing carbon output.
Competition and Market Pressures
Competition in UK retail has intensified. Supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s have enhanced their premium ranges, while Next and Primark dominate fast-fashion segments. Online retailers such as ASOS, Boohoo, and Shein also challenge M&S’s fashion business.
To stay relevant, M&S is consolidating physical space to strengthen its online presence, supported by a revamped app and advanced logistics through Ocado Retail (of which M&S owns a 50% stake).
The Numbers Behind the Closures
According to the M&S 2024–25 Annual Report:
67 full-line stores have closed since 2019.
30 additional closures are scheduled by late 2025.
The retailer aims to reduce its estate to around 180 full-line stores and 420 food-only outlets.
Over £500 million has been allocated for the modernisation programme.
Despite closures, M&S reported a 9.3% increase in food sales and a 4.7% increase in clothing and home sales in Q2 2025 compared to the previous year, showing that strategic downsizing is improving profitability.
Retail analysts from Kantar and Retail Economics note that M&S is following a “right-sizing” strategy, ensuring quality over quantity. The focus is now on creating fewer but more impactful physical stores supported by digital integration.
Real-Life Examples of M&S Store Closures
Oxford Street Flagship Store Controversy
Perhaps the most talked-about closure was the Oxford Street flagship, which sparked national debate in 2024. M&S wanted to demolish the 1930s building to build a new modern flagship, but heritage groups opposed the demolition, citing sustainability and architectural preservation.
After months of legal wrangling, planning permission was granted with conditions on environmental standards. The new site is expected to open in 2027 as a sustainable retail and office hybrid.
Regional Closures Across the UK
Recent closures include locations in Wokingham, Huddersfield, and Lincoln, where stores were deemed unviable due to declining high street traffic.
However, M&S has opened new stores in places like Colchester and Chesterfield, each combining food and clothing with click-and-collect and in-store cafés — evidence that the company is shifting focus, not withdrawing entirely.
The Role of Online Expansion
M&S’s online transformation has been one of its biggest success stories. Through partnerships with Ocado and its own digital revamp, M&S now offers same-day grocery delivery in select postcodes and nationwide next-day delivery for clothing and homeware.
In 2025, M&S reported a record 6 million active users on its app, up 20% from 2023. The integration of AI-driven product recommendations and virtual fitting tools has improved conversion rates by 18%.
The retailer’s online sales through Ocado have also increased 14% year-over-year, showing how digital infrastructure offsets losses from physical closures.
Recent Trends in 2025 Retail
The broader retail landscape in 2025 offers context for M&S’s decisions. Hybrid retail — blending physical and digital experiences — has become the norm. Stores are now “experience centres” rather than mere transaction points.
Retailers across the UK are also using technology such as AI to optimise stock levels and forecast demand. A 2025 Retail Gazette survey found that 68% of UK consumers prefer retailers offering personalised digital experiences alongside physical options.
Moreover, inflationary pressures and energy costs remain significant factors in reshaping retail operations, pushing companies like M&S to innovate for efficiency.
Impact on Employees and Communities
While store closures often lead to job losses, M&S has committed to redeploying affected staff wherever possible. The company reports that more than 70% of workers from closed stores have been offered new roles within nearby branches or distribution centres.
Local councils and business improvement districts have expressed concern about the effect on high streets. However, M&S maintains that targeted investment in thriving retail parks can create more stable employment and community engagement opportunities.
Practical Tips for M&S Customers
For shoppers affected by store closures, there are several ways to stay connected with M&S:
Use the M&S app to locate nearest stores and check availability for click-and-collect.
Subscribe to Sparks, the loyalty programme offering personalised deals and online shopping credits.
Explore Ocado.com for online grocery delivery powered by M&S Food.
Stay updated through the company’s “Store Finder” and news alerts about upcoming store reopenings or new launches.
These digital tools ensure that even as physical stores close, customers maintain access to M&S’s full range of products and services.
The Future of Marks & Spencer
Looking ahead, M&S plans to complete its modernisation programme by 2028, focusing on three strategic pillars: digital growth, sustainability, and customer experience.
Retail experts predict that by 2030, M&S’s store count will stabilise at around 550 total locations, but with far higher average productivity and environmental efficiency.
With ongoing investments in AI logistics, data analytics, and sustainable infrastructure, M&S is positioning itself as a leader in modern British retail rather than a casualty of change.
What Experts Are Saying
Retail analysts at PwC and Deloitte suggest that the M&S store closures are part of a necessary evolution. “Marks & Spencer is not shrinking — it’s recalibrating,” said retail consultant Eleanor Tomlinson in an interview with The Guardian. “Its food division is booming, and its online operations are stronger than ever. The closures are about future-proofing, not failure.”
Real-World Lessons from M&S’s Transformation
The M&S restructuring offers valuable lessons for other retailers:
Embrace digitalisation early rather than reactively.
Streamline physical operations to enhance customer experience.
Prioritise sustainability in store design and logistics.
The combination of tradition and transformation keeps M&S relevant even in a competitive, fast-changing market.
FAQs
Why is M&S closing stores in 2025?
M&S is closing stores as part of its modernisation strategy, focusing on profitable locations and online growth. High costs, reduced footfall, and sustainability goals all play a role.
How many M&S stores are closing this year?
As of early 2025, around 30 stores are scheduled to close, primarily older full-line locations that no longer align with M&S’s retail strategy.
Will M&S continue operating in the UK?
Yes. M&S remains committed to the UK market and is opening new, modern stores while expanding its online and food businesses.
What happens to employees from closed stores?
Most affected employees are being redeployed to nearby stores or online distribution roles. M&S has pledged to avoid compulsory redundancies where possible.
How does M&S plan to attract customers after closures?
M&S is enhancing its app, expanding food delivery through Ocado, and opening next-generation stores with integrated digital experiences.
Final Thoughts
The closure of several M&S stores in 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the century-old retailer. Yet, rather than signalling decline, it highlights M&S’s ability to evolve and modernise amid seismic retail changes.
By focusing on fewer, better stores and a strong online presence, Marks & Spencer is aligning itself with the realities of modern consumer behaviour. Its balance of tradition, quality, and innovation ensures that the brand remains at the heart of British retail for generations to come.
For more insightful reading on related business and technology trends, visit:
TfL 2025–2026 Modernisation Agenda: Rolling Stock & Zero Emission
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