Councillor Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Town Centre has said he is ‘devasted’ at hearing the news that retail giant Marks and Spencer have initiated a consultation period with staff with plans to close the Regent Street store.
The Swindonian was made aware earlier this week that bosses at the store had announced its intentions to store employees last week.
A statement issued by Marks & Spencer said ‘Our priority is to talk to our colleagues about what this announcement means for them and wherever possible, offer them alternative roles with M&S.’
Talking about this news, Kevin Small said: “I was devastated to hear the news that M&S is closing its Swindon town centre store.
“This is a sad day for Swindon and particularly for the staff of M&S who work at the Regent Street site. During this ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ that we are facing in this country, along with ever-increasing mortgage rates, people can’t afford to be losing their jobs and I wish all at M&S who are faced with this prospect, good wishes in finding alternative employment and hope M&S will support its staff in achieving this.
“The Regent Street M&S is a key store in Swindon town centre and will leave a huge hole that needs to be filled and I will be talking to council officers and the property owners, FI Real Estate Management, to see what can be done to ensure that 81 Regent Street has a new tenant as soon as possible.
“M&S claims the reason for the closure is due to a continuing fall in sales in the Regent Street store and is a reflection of the downward trend in town centre shopping which is affecting towns like Swindon. Although this is true, I personally feel the lack of products on offer has not helped its cause. For example, you cannot buy a suit off the peg anymore and I am sure female shoppers will also have been left disappointed by the range of clothes on offer.
“Swindon needs a vibrant town centre and the Council is committed to working with retailers and other providers to make it an attractive place for visitors and shoppers. This will then encourage big name stores like M&S back into our town centre.”
