Okay, let’s name names. The biggest casualty is the M&S in Croydon’s Centrale shopping centre. It’s closing in early 2026. Yes, the one where you used to buy school uniforms that never fit properly.
Then there’s the Colchester store—the one on the high street. It’s shutting its doors for good. And don’t even get me started on the Norwich branch in the Chapelfield shopping centre. That one’s going too. It’s like a game of retail Monopoly, and these properties are landing on “Go to Jail.”
Other confirmed closures include Staines, Falkirk, and a tiny little shop in Brentwood. Oh, and the Londonderry (Derry) store in Northern Ireland—that one’s definitely on the list. Honestly, I’m getting a headache just listing them.
But Wait—There’s a Twist!
Here’s the thing: M&S isn’t just closing stores. They’re also opening new ones—mostly food halls. It’s like they’re trading their brown leather jackets for a pack of shortbread. Priorities, people.
Supermarket in Leeds city centre set to close this month
So while you’re mourning the loss of your local giant M&S, a shiny new “Food to Go” might pop up in a petrol station near you. It’s a trade-off: fewer clothes racks, more Melting Middle Chocolate Puddings. Is it a win? You decide.
For example, the Colchester store is being replaced by a smaller M&S Foodhall. Same for Staines. It’s like getting a mini-me version of your favorite shop. Cute, but also a little bit sad, like a shrunken sweater.
