The UK city centre M&S store closed its doors on Saturday (Image: Getty)
Marks and Spencer shoppers have been left ‘heartbroken’ as a UK city store shut its doors for the final time on Saturday, May 30.
The Swansea store closed due to underperforming according to the high street chain.
On Saturday, shoppers came to pay their respects to the branch, with flower tributes being placed by the building.
The Oxford Street store has been a major shopping attraction in the city for many years.
The closure was announced in February and 92 jobs were put at risk as a result. An M&S spokesperson said: “Our M&S Swansea city centre store will close on Saturday, 30 May.
“As previously announced, this decision forms part of our plans to reshape our store estate so we can invest in stores that better meet the needs of our customers.
“We remain committed to serving customers in Swansea through our nearby stores and online, and are working closely with Swansea Council and other local partners to explore opportunities for a future M&S presence in the city.”
Read more: New supermarkets opening across UK – Tesco, Morrisons and Aldi locations
Read more: Iconic High Street store returns weeks after closing 33 stores in rescue deal
Hundreds of locals stopped by the store, laying flowers, taking pictures and making their final visit.
One woman, shed a tear, as she explained to Wales Online that the M&S in Swansea meant a lot to her and her family.
Another man said it felt as though things were going “from bad to worse” in the city as the reality of the high street giant’s closure sunk in.
The 63-year-old regular customer added: “It breaks my heart to see it.”
Shoppers will now have to drive over 15 minutes to visit the nearest store, based in Swansea’s Fforestfach Retail Park.
Another customer added that the closure was “absolutely shocking” as the store has been an integral part of the high street since 1957.
A further store closure in Newport is scheduled for June, with the retail chain citing changes in customer shopping habits as the reason for the shutdown.
M&S regional manager, Richard Owen, said: “Customer shopping habits are changing, and as part of our UK‑wide store rotation programme, we are continually reviewing our store estate to ensure we have the right stores in the right places, with the right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience.
“Following the recent expiry of our lease, we have decided to close the M&S store in Newport Gwent at Friars Walk towards the end of June 2026. We understand this will be disappointing for some customers and colleagues.
“Our priority is to support our colleagues through this change, including exploring alternative roles at nearby M&S stores wherever possible. We will continue serving Newport customers through those nearby stores and online.”