M&S confirms Sunderland store closure

Marks and Spencer has finally confirmed the closing date for Sunderland store, and opening details of its new Washington M&S.

M&S Sunderland store counting down to final closure

Marks and Spencer has confirmed the date for the opening of their new store at The Galleries in Washington - and when its branch in Sunderland city centre will permanently close.

The new outlet will open to customers on Thursday, May 30 at 9 am.

The closure of the shop was announced by the company in January without a precise date other than "some time in Spring 2024".

M&S has previously said: "The Sunderland store will also continue trading until the new Washington Galleries store is ready to open.”

Kelechi shopping for the last time before the store finally leaves Sunderland

Business analyst, Kelechi Ejelonu, said: "It is such a shame to see a store like M&S leave Sunderland. While it's not the news we would hope for in the city, ultimately, businesses make decisions based on what's best for them financially".

The 43- year-old Sunderland resident stated that Marks and Spencer's business analysts likely analysed both in-store and online purchase data, advising them to make this decision.

"If the data shows higher sales from online purchases, then moving could be beneficial. Online deliveries will continue, and potentially, more income could be generated at the new location, both in-store and online", she added.

24-year-old Monika Jones said: "If stores continue to move away from Sunderland, the city might be gradually becoming a ghost town.

"I understand closing the store here probably favours the business more. But could the council at least not reach a mutually beneficial deal?"

Ms. Jones also said that it doesn't particularly bother her, except for the impact on employment in the city due to businesses closing down or relocating.