Marks and Spencer store likely to be saved

by
8th November 2016

It’s unlikely Marks & Spencer Southport will close.

High footfall and a prime retail spot mean that it is unlikely Southport’s Marks and Spencer store is one of those earmarked for the chop.

Marks and Spencer is expected to announce the closure of a number of UK stores as part of plans to turn around the business.

M&S chief executive Steve Rowe is also expected to announce a shake-up of its international operations.

Mr Rowe will provide an update on the retailer’s latest trading performance later today

Smaller M&S branches in weaker High Streets are forecast to bear the brunt of the cuts so it is believed that Southport’s Chapel Street store will weather the storm.

Southport BID CEO Hugh Evans told The Champion this week that he remains confident that the future of Southport’s High Street scene, which includes Marks and Spencer, is only improving.
He said: “Southport consistently out performs national measures of sales performance based on a basket of leading retailers many of which are located on Chapel Street. 

“The recent opening of Sports Direct and Flannels on Tulketh Street will certainly help in driving additional footfall to that part of town.”