Latest news with #MARKS&Spencer
Scottish Sun
02-08-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Marks & Spencer announces exact date it will close 100-year-old flagship store after ‘never recovering from Covid'
Another M&S store is soon to reopen after an exciting revamp END OF AN ERA Marks & Spencer announces exact date it will close 100-year-old flagship store after 'never recovering from Covid' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MARKS & Spencer has confirmed its historic flagship store will close in a matter of weeks, after failing to recover from Covid. The popular supermarket has been serving Wolverhampton shoppers since 1929, however it will soon be closing its doors for good. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 M&S has announced the closing date of one of its flagship stores Credit: Google Maps The store is located on Dudley Street, Wolverhampton and will stop trading on September 27. M&S regional manager, Calum Telford, said: "I would like to say a massive thanks to all our customers who have shopped with us over the years and our colleagues, past and present, who have contributed to the store. "We have a proud history in Wolverhampton and are working with the city council to find a suitable alternative food location. "This is part of our wider investment into the Black Country, including modernising our Merry Hill store, and we will keep the local community updated." Mr Telford added: "In the meantime, conversations are continuing with our store colleagues and we will offer them alternative roles at M&S wherever possible." Staff at the Dudley store have also been informed that it has been confirmed by bosses that the business hopes to find a suitable alternative city location to open a new dedicated food store. M&S first announced the store's closure last month after sharing that it had been performing "less well for a long period of time." According to bosses, this is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, from which the shop "never fully recovered." In a statement made at the time, Mr Telford said: ""Our UK-wide store rotation programme is all about reshaping for growth and making sure every M&S store delivers the best possible shopping experience for our customers. "That's why we have made the tough decision to propose the closure of our Dudley Street store. M&S launches first-of-its-kind store "Sadly, the store has been performing less well for a long period of time and has never fully recovered from the Covid pandemic." This comes after M&S announced in 2022 than it intended to reduce its number of traditional department store openings from 247 to 180, while also opening an additional 100 new food halls by April 2026. Also, earlier this summer company chairman Archie Norman said the firm was looking to exit "struggling town centres" as part of a £500 million plan to update its retail store portfolio nationwide. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Council has stressed that it has been working alongside M&S to try and find a new location for a food hall in the city. A council spokesperson said: 'It will be sad to see M&S leave the Dudley Street store at the end of September - but they remain committed to Wolverhampton and we are working with them to identify suitable locations that fit their new business model. 'We appreciate how unsettling this is for staff, and the council's Wolves at Work employment support team is connected with M&S to support workers and their families. "We are also keen to see the privately-owned Dudley Street site brought back into use quickly. 'As everyone knows town and city centres across the country are changing and we fully understand M&S's difficult decision was driven by wider, changing market conditions and customer behaviour." In brighter news, M&S is set to launch its revamped food hall at Merry Hill shopping centre this Friday. Wolverhampton Council have said despite the sad news about the department store closure, there are lots of regeneration projects set to create new homes and jobs to look forward to. A spokesperson added: ""The transformation of the city centre includes thousands of new city centre homes at Smithgate and Canalside; better connectivity and safer public spaces; a world-class entertainment venue at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls; a new independent cinema at the Chubb Building; a growing commercial district at the Interchange and a new £61million City Learning Quarter which opens this autumn and will bring thousands of new visitors to our city centre every week.' Why are retailers closing stores? RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis. High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going. However, additional costs have added further pain to an already struggling sector. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025." It comes after almost 170,000 retail workers lost their jobs in 2024. End-of-year figures compiled by the Centre for Retail Research showed the number of job losses spiked amid the collapse of major chains such as Homebase and Ted Baker. It said its latest analysis showed that a total of 169,395 retail jobs were lost in the 2024 calendar year to date. This was up 49,990 – an increase of 41.9% – compared with 2023. It is the highest annual reading since more than 200,000 jobs were lost in 2020 in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced retailers to shut their stores during lockdowns. The centre said 38 major retailers went into administration in 2024, including household names such as Lloyds Pharmacy, Homebase, The Body Shop, Carpetright and Ted Baker. Around a third of all retail job losses in 2024, 33% or 55,914 in total, resulted from administrations. Experts have said small high street shops could face a particularly challenging 2025 because of Budget tax and wage changes. Professor Bamfield has warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector. "By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020.
The Irish Sun
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Vernon Kay and AJ Odudu's Dress The Nation returns for series two – and it's just a few weeks away
MARKS & Spencer's Dress The Nation is officially returning to screens for a second series this autumn. Co-hosted by 5 M&S Dress the Nation is coming back for its second series this autumn Credit: ITV 5 Vernon Kay and AJ Odudu are back as hosts Each week on the programme, a panel of judges consisting of M&S experts, fashion designers, and celebrity guests will choose which contestants move forward to the next round, bringing them closer to the coveted prize. Past celeb guests have included It's a nationwide search, looking for the best new faces in fashion, including both womenswear and menswear. 'Dress The Nation isn't just about fashion – it's about changing someone's life forever whilst discovering more of their own confidence, creativity and talent,' says Vernon. Read more Dress The Nation 'The level of skill this year is unreal which means the competition is ridiculously tough but seeing people shine doing what they love makes for proper feel-good telly.' In its first run on ITV1 and ITVX, the fashion-forward show was enjoyed by over eight million viewers. Now back by popular demand after showcase new talent and to become a part of evolving fashion within retail . 'I'm chuffed to bits to be hosting for a second year running and proud to front something that champions fresh opportunities in fashion, a world that's notoriously tough to break into,' says AJ. Most read in Reality 'Last year's winner was outrageously talented; proof that this show uncovers the kind of raw, brilliant creativity you don't see every day.' Former dancer David Olaniyi, 39, from Barnet, won Dress The Nation's first ever series. Vernon Kay and AJ Odudu talk about their new show Dress the Nation He was working on the 'Winning Dress The Nation last year changed my life,' says David. 'I've always been passionate about designing clothing for the modern man, but being part of the Menswear Design Team at M&S today has been a massive eye opener into how the retail industry operates on a day-to-day basis.' 'From speaking with suppliers to working closely with the merchandising and buying teams, the experience has helped me nurture my craft and opened up a realm of possibilities for the future ,' David continued. 'I can't wait to see how the contestants get on this year. 5 The countdown for the show to begin is ticking Credit: ITV 5 The full lineup of contestants is yet to be confirmed Credit: ITV 5 AJ has co-hosted other shows, including Celebrity Big Brother Credit: Rex
Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Vernon Kay and AJ Odudu's Dress The Nation returns for series two – and it's just a few weeks away
The first series was announced back in September 2024 YES, M&S Vernon Kay and AJ Odudu's Dress The Nation returns for series two – and it's just a few weeks away Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MARKS & Spencer's Dress The Nation is officially returning to screens for a second series this autumn. Co-hosted by Vernon Kay and AJ Odudu, the show will follow nine contestants ranging between the ages of 22 to 59 over five 60-minute episodes as they compete for an exclusive mentorship with M&S, and the chance for their winning design to be sold in their stores. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 M&S Dress the Nation is coming back for its second series this autumn Credit: ITV 5 Vernon Kay and AJ Odudu are back as hosts Each week on the programme, a panel of judges consisting of M&S experts, fashion designers, and celebrity guests will choose which contestants move forward to the next round, bringing them closer to the coveted prize. Past celeb guests have included Cat Deeley and Mel B, who wore a stunning green midi dress from M&S while she joined Vernon and AJ on the new ITV fashion series. It's a nationwide search, looking for the best new faces in fashion, including both womenswear and menswear. 'Dress The Nation isn't just about fashion – it's about changing someone's life forever whilst discovering more of their own confidence, creativity and talent,' says Vernon. 'The level of skill this year is unreal which means the competition is ridiculously tough but seeing people shine doing what they love makes for proper feel-good telly.' In its first run on ITV1 and ITVX, the fashion-forward show was enjoyed by over eight million viewers. Now back by popular demand after signing a new deal with ITV, the hosts can't wait to showcase new talent and to become a part of evolving fashion within retail. 'I'm chuffed to bits to be hosting for a second year running and proud to front something that champions fresh opportunities in fashion, a world that's notoriously tough to break into,' says AJ. 'Last year's winner was outrageously talented; proof that this show uncovers the kind of raw, brilliant creativity you don't see every day.' Former dancer David Olaniyi, 39, from Barnet, won Dress The Nation's first ever series. Vernon Kay and AJ Odudu talk about their new show Dress the Nation He was working on the Michael Jackson Thriller show and Take That's tour when he was first introduced to costume design and learned how to make alternations from the wardrobe team. 'Winning Dress The Nation last year changed my life,' says David. 'I've always been passionate about designing clothing for the modern man, but being part of the Menswear Design Team at M&S today has been a massive eye opener into how the retail industry operates on a day-to-day basis.' 'From speaking with suppliers to working closely with the merchandising and buying teams, the experience has helped me nurture my craft and opened up a realm of possibilities for the future,' David continued. 'I can't wait to see how the contestants get on this year. 5 The countdown for the show to begin is ticking Credit: ITV 5 The full lineup of contestants is yet to be confirmed Credit: ITV
Scottish Sun
29-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
M&S announces major change to clothes shopping & it's good news for parents
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MARKS & Spencer has introduced an unprecedented policy that will be welcomed by parents. The British retailer is set to extend the refund policy on children's clothing. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 M&S shoppers will be given an entire year to return children's clothing buys (stock image) Credit: Getty M&S will become the first high street shop in the country to offer a refunds with 365 days off purchase. The comprehensive coverage will apply to all children's garments, with footwear and accessories excluded. Parents can now return any item within a full year for a complete refund if the clothing fails to meet the store's quality standards. This move will significantly extend consumer protection beyond typical return periods. In turn, it reflects the company's confidence in its product durability and construction standards. This new policy represents a shift in retail practice, offering families added protection for their purchases. Protected purchases So parents may want to get shopping, as everything from summer buys to back to school clothing is fair game. The guarantee covers the retailer's entire children's range, including the school uniform collection, everyday essentials, and baby clothing lines. This initiative builds upon the company's existing 100-day extended returns policy for back-to-school items, which was introduced in 2024. And for those shopping for rapidly growing youngsters, this extended returns period will be even more of a draw. Savvy mums race to Tesco as school uniform is reduced to just four PENCE Sustainable clothing The guarantee is part of M&S' Another Life initiative, which focuses on the retailer's sustainability efforts. This programme focuses four key principles: rewear, repair, recycle, and resale. And all children's clothing at M&S abides by responsible sourcing practices. The cotton is sourced entirely from responsible suppliers and more than 90% of the polyester comes from recycled materials. This range also features practical design elements, including adjustable waistbands, growth-proof hems, and coats with labels designed to accommodate numerous names for hand-me-downs. (AD) Save £15 on school uniforms at M&S with Quidco It's that time of year again. As we gear up for a new school year in September that usually means two things; summer holidays and school uniforms. If you need to replace your kid's school uniforms (do they ever stop growing?) then you're in luck, thanks to our partnership with Quidco you can save £15 on your school uniform shop at M&S. You'll be able to claim £15 back on your school uniform at M&S with this cashback offer. Interested? Here's how it works. Sign up for a Quidco account for free Select M&S from the hundreds of retailers on the Quidco platform Click through to visit the M&S website to browse their extensive selection of uniforms with 20% off Make a purchase of £5 or more to earn a new member bonus of £15 cashback Withdraw to your bank, PayPal or as gift vouchers *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue *Check out the full terms and conditions by visiting M&S has identified the childrens wear range as an area for potential growth, as it aims to attract more family shoppers. Earlier this year, the shop reduced prices by up to 20% on more than 100 everyday essential items for children. "At M&S, exceptional quality products are at the heart of everything we do," said Kidswear director at M&S, Alexandra Dimitriu. "Quality and durability are in our DNA, and are an important part of our Plan A roadmap as we move toward a more circular economy. "In Kidswear, our customers have always trusted us for the hand-me-down quality of our clothing, knowing that every single item they buy, whether it is a pair of joggers, a dress, or a piece of school uniform, is of exceptional quality and trusted value. "With an authoritative lead in quality, we're going one step further to give our customers the confidence that any item of kids' clothing they purchase is made well and made to last and can be given Another Life when their children grow out of it. "As a mum myself, I know just how important this is." More on clothes buys The high street chain also recently launched its "biggest sale" with up to 50% off select clothing items. Plus, a huge change to school uniform costs that could push up prices. And a little-known way for parents to get free and cheap school uniforms, saving up to £150. A £2.50 hack can be used to prolong the life of your kid's school uniform. And a major supermarket has brought back £5 school uniform bundle, which includes two polo shirts, a sweatshirt, and trousers or a skirt.
The Sun
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
M&S announces major change to clothes shopping & it's good news for parents
MARKS & Spencer has introduced an unprecedented policy that will be welcomed by parents. The British retailer is set to extend the refund policy on children's clothing. 2 M&S will become the first high street shop in the country to offer a refunds with 365 days off purchase. The comprehensive coverage will apply to all children's garments, with footwear and accessories excluded. Parents can now return any item within a full year for a complete refund if the clothing fails to meet the store's quality standards. This move will significantly extend consumer protection beyond typical return periods. In turn, it reflects the company's confidence in its product durability and construction standards. This new policy represents a shift in retail practice, offering families added protection for their purchases. Protected purchases So parents may want to get shopping, as everything from summer buys to back to school clothing is fair game. The guarantee covers the retailer's entire children's range, including the school uniform collection, everyday essentials, and baby clothing lines. This initiative builds upon the company's existing 100-day extended returns policy for back-to-school items, which was introduced in 2024. And for those shopping for rapidly growing youngsters, this extended returns period will be even more of a draw. Savvy mums race to Tesco as school uniform is reduced to just four PENCE Sustainable clothing The guarantee is part of M&S' Another Life initiative, which focuses on the retailer's sustainability efforts. This programme focuses four key principles: rewear, repair, recycle, and resale. And all children's clothing at M&S abides by responsible sourcing practices. The cotton is sourced entirely from responsible suppliers and more than 90% of the polyester comes from recycled materials. This range also features practical design elements, including adjustable waistbands, growth-proof hems, and coats with labels designed to accommodate numerous names for hand-me-downs. (AD) Save £15 on school uniforms at M&S with Quidco It's that time of year again. As we gear up for a new school year in September that usually means two things; summer holidays and school uniforms. If you need to replace your kid's school uniforms (do they ever stop growing?) then you're in luck, thanks to our partnership with Quidco you can save £15 on your school uniform shop at M&S. You'll be able to claim £15 back on your school uniform at M&S with this cashback offer. Interested? Here's how it works. Sign up for a Quidco account for free Select M&S from the hundreds of retailers on the Quidco platform Click through to visit the M&S website to browse their extensive selection of uniforms with 20% off Make a purchase of £5 or more to earn a new member bonus of £15 cashback Withdraw to your bank, PayPal or as gift vouchers *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue *Check out the full terms and conditions by visiting M&S has identified the childrens wear range as an area for potential growth, as it aims to attract more family shoppers. Earlier this year, the shop reduced prices by up to 20% on more than 100 everyday essential items for children. "At M&S, exceptional quality products are at the heart of everything we do," said Kidswear director at M&S, Alexandra Dimitriu. "Quality and durability are in our DNA, and are an important part of our Plan A roadmap as we move toward a more circular economy. "In Kidswear, our customers have always trusted us for the hand-me-down quality of our clothing, knowing that every single item they buy, whether it is a pair of joggers, a dress, or a piece of school uniform, is of exceptional quality and trusted value. "With an authoritative lead in quality, we're going one step further to give our customers the confidence that any item of kids' clothing they purchase is made well and made to last and can be given Another Life when their children grow out of it. "As a mum myself, I know just how important this is." More on clothes buys The high street chain also recently launched its "biggest sale" with up to 50% off select clothing items. Plus, a huge change to school uniform costs that could push up prices. And a little-known way for parents to get free and cheap school uniforms, saving up to £150. A £2.50 hack can be used to prolong the life of your kid's school uniform. And a major supermarket has brought back £5 school uniform bundle, which includes two polo shirts, a sweatshirt, and trousers or a skirt. 2
