Marks & Spencer closing huge store in UK seaside town - 50 jobs at risk
Local residents have been left 'devastated' by news of the store closure.
A busy M&S store in a popular UK seaside town is closing, putting 50 jobs at risk and leaving locals "devastated". M&S has confirmed it is shutting its Food Hall in Walton-on-the-Naze, which is currently located at Arthur Ransome Way in the Essex seaside town.
The store closure was proposed last month, as the site did not have a "sustainable" future. In a new update, it has now been confirmed that the store will be shutting its doors for good on September 28. The high street retail giant said it plans to redeploy as many colleagues to nearby stores as possible.
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Will Holden, regional manager at M&S, said: "Since we shared our proposals last month, we have consulted with our colleagues and can now confirm that our Walton-on-the-Naze store will close on Saturday 26th September.
"I’d like to thank everyone who has shopped with us at the store over the years and we will continue working hard to serve you over the coming months, and in future at our nearby Clacton Brook Park foodhall."
It is understood the 50 jobs at the site will now be at risk.
Residents in the area reacted with sadness to the news of the closure in the seaside town.
One told the Colchester Gazette, said: "I shop in M&S every week but will not be going to Clacton Retail Park. I am devastated that M&S are closing the Store in September.
"If the proposed housing is built around Walton, Kirby and Frinton, they will make more profit.
"I just cannot understand it. I feel sorry for the staff there too as they are brilliant and so friendly."
Another residentalso said: "The loss of this shop will have serious repercussions for the commercial sustainability at Walton.
"Why did M&S decide to open up here in the first place?"
