Marks and Spencer confirmed the news on Tuesday, with more than 90 jobs at risk
12:37, 24 Feb 2026Updated 13:02, 24 Feb 2026
M&S in Swansea(Image: John Cooper)
Swansea is set to lose one of its flagship shops after M&S confirmed it will shut down its city centre store later this year.
The Marks and Spencer store, located in Oxford Street, the heart of the city centre, has been one of the main draws for shoppers in Swansea for decades, but the company has announced that, due to it having been underperforming for some time, a decision has been made to close it. The store currently employs around 92 staff, all of whom were told of the closure on Tuesday morning, February 24.
A consultation will now take place with staff about potential future roles at other M&S sites, while the company has not confirmed any information about redundancies at this stage. For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here.
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An exact closing date for the store has not been finalised, but it is expected to be later in 2026.
Richard Owen, M&S regional manager, said: “Customer shopping habits are changing, and as part of our UK-wide store rotation programme, we’re adapting our store estate to ensure we have the right stores with the right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience.
“The Swansea store has been a key part of the community for many decades. Unfortunately, it is not viable to keep the store open as the building faces practical and operational issues requiring significant investment, the store has underperformed over a long period and we must prioritise long-term growth decisions.”
M&S has had a presence in the heart of Swansea for more than 100 years, and the company has not ruled out opening at a different premises in future. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Mr Owen added: “We know this will be disappointing for customers, and our priority is supporting colleagues through consultation, including finding alternative roles at nearby stores wherever possible.
“We will continue serving Swansea customers through those stores and online, whilst we actively look for a suitable location for a future full-line M&S store in Swansea.”
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The news will raise fresh doubts about high street trade in Swansea city centre, with M&S taking up such a large retail space in the main shopping thoroughfare.
Swansea Council has expressed its disappointment at the news, with a spokesman saying on Tuesday: “The news from M&S is extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers.
“M&S confirmed late yesterday afternoon that the current building and location is no longer suitable for their business model which has already seen 90 historic locations close and investment in new store locations
“We’ve spent several years actively working to prevent M&S closing at this location. We will continue working in the coming weeks and months to seek a new site that meets their needs and keeps M&S in the city.
“M&S recognises the significant Swansea regeneration which is under way and they stated they remain committed to exploring options for an alternative store location in the city.
“M&S has been very clear that this decision is not a reflection on Swansea as a retail destination, but forms part of its wider national strategy. We remain determined to ensure the city centre continues to grow and attract major brands.
“Our immediate thoughts are with the M&S staff, and we are committed to supporting them through this period of uncertainty.”
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