Marks and Spencer (M&S) has announced plans for the future of their popular store in Redhill.
M&S has been rationalising its store portfolio over the past few years and in October 2022 announced that it was restructuring its business to put more focus on its food-only stores and would be closing 67 locations over the following five years, as part of a plan to close 110 sites in total.
The Belfry has been made aware that M&S have started a consultation process regarding the future of their Redhill store.
Against a backdrop of increased footfall in the Centre, M&S Redhill has started a consultation with its staff regarding the potential future closure of the store. Whilst we await further clarity from M&S regarding their plans, our thoughts go to the staff, some of whom have been with the company for many years.
The Belfry is surprised at the timing of this announcement as the Centre has been enjoying a recent substantial lift. Visitor numbers to the Centre continue to buck the national trend and are back above those experienced pre-pandemic. Footfall and dwell time in the Centre both experiencing double-digit growth consistently over the past year, with most retailers benefitting. The Belfry is receiving constant enquiries for new tenancies which in recent months has brought four new independent stores to the Centre and one of Poundland’s most successful Wilko conversions. It was hoped that with their remaining long lease and their reported positive trading here, especially over the Christmas period, that Redhill would avoid M&S’ strategic closure of their mid-sized High Street stores.
Centre Manager Andy Nash commented:
“We are obviously sad to hear that M&S has made the decision to start the consultation to close their Redhill store, which has been much loved by our shoppers for the last 33 years.
The Belfry has constantly evolved over the years as consumer habits have changed and it will continue to evolve with new stores opening all the time. Though it will be disappointing to lose M&S, the bigger picture for the Centre remains extremely positive, with more visitors using the Centre and staying longer. We have strong enquiries that we will obviously now seek to progress. The Belfry is busier than ever and the town itself is thriving with hybrid working practices establishing and the opening of Redhill’s new Rise complex last year including The Light cinema and leisure. We wish all of the Redhill M&S staff well during the consultation process and beyond; and are confident of welcoming new tenants in time to the Centre”
Whilst we await clarity from M&S about the future of their Redhill store, we will ensure that we keep everyone up-to-date with announcements via our website and social media channels.
ENDS.
For further information please visit https://redhillbelfry.co.uk or contact the Belfry reception@the-belfry.co.uk. Further updates will be made via the Belfry social media accounts and website.
