M&S Lewisham Closure a ‘Huge Loss’ – Residents React 2026

Key Points

• Marks & Spencer has announced plans to close its store on Lewisham High Street as part of a UK-wide store rotation programme to adapt to changing shopping habits.
• The closure is described as a “tough decision” by M&S regional manager Ricky Hill, who emphasised reshaping stores for growth and prioritising staff redeployment.​
• M&S suggests alternative full stores in Bexleyheath or Bromley, both some distance from Lewisham, and is seeking a site for a future food-only location in the area.​
• Residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some calling the closure a “huge loss” while others note the inconvenience of travel to alternatives.​
• A council spokesperson described the news as “extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers.”​
• This closure aligns with M&S’s broader strategy of closing high street stores and relocating to out-of-town retail parks or opening smaller food shops, as seen in Woolwich.​
• M&S has opened six new stores and renewed eleven others in London this financial year despite closures.​
• The decision is not directly linked to the ongoing Lewisham Shopping Centre redevelopment, as the M&S building was not slated for demolition.​
• Broader context includes M&S’s national closures, such as recent ones in Sunderland and Hexham, where shoppers called it a “crying shame” and “end of an era.”

Lewisham (South London News) March 13, 2026 – Marks & Spencer has proposed closing its prominent store on Lewisham High Street, prompting mixed reactions from residents who fear a significant loss to the local community while the retailer cites evolving shopping habits. The announcement forms part of a larger store optimisation programme, with M&S highlighting recent investments and plans for a potential food outlet replacement. Local leaders have voiced disappointment over the impact on staff and shoppers.

What Has Marks & Spencer Said About the Lewisham Closure?

Marks & Spencer confirmed the proposed closure through a statement from Ricky Hill, regional manager at M&S. As reported on From the Murky Depths, Ricky Hill said:

“As we reshape for growth, our UK-wide store rotation programme is about making sure that every store we have delivers the best of M&S for our customers.”​

He continued:

“Shopping habits are changing, and we have made the tough decision to propose the closure of our Lewisham store.”

Hill stressed staff support, stating:

“Our priority now is continuing conversations with our colleagues, and if the proposals go ahead, we will work hard to offer them alternative roles at M&S wherever possible.”​

Furthermore, the company noted positive activity elsewhere:

“We have opened six new stores and renewed eleven others across London this financial year, and are working to find a suitable alternative future food location in Lewisham.”

M&S directed shoppers to nearby full stores in Bexleyheath or Bromley as alternatives.​

How Have Residents Reacted to the Plans?

Lewisham residents have shared varied sentiments following the announcement. According to News Shopper, locals described the potential closure as a “huge loss,” reflecting attachment to the store as a community staple.​

Specific reactions highlight inconvenience and nostalgia, with some residents lamenting the distance to replacement sites. The outlet detailed mixed views, balancing disappointment with pragmatic acceptance of retail shifts. This mirrors reactions elsewhere, such as in Sunderland where 84-year-old Norma told BBC News:

“I feel very emotional; it’s been here all my life. We visit every week, and this will certainly alter how frequently I come to the town center.”

What Is the Local Council’s Stance?

A council spokesperson addressed the news directly on Instagram, stating:

“The news from M&S is extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers.”

This underscores concerns for employment and local convenience in Lewisham.​

The response aligns with broader worries about high street vitality amid retail changes. M&S confirmed to the council that the current building and operations face closure pressures unrelated to redevelopment.

Why Is M&S Closing High Street Stores Like Lewisham’s?

M&S’s strategy involves shifting from traditional high street department stores to out-of-town retail parks or compact food-focused outlets. From the Murky Depths reported that

“The chain have been closing many High Street shops in recent years and moving to out-of-town retail parks,”

citing Woolwich as an example where the Powis Street store closed for a Charlton retail park site, followed by a smaller food shop near the Elizabeth line.​

The retailer attributes this to “changing shopping habits,” a recurring theme in closures nationwide. Despite this, M&S reported strong financials recently, with profits up 58% to over £716 million last year, per The Sun. Nationally, plans include closing around 110 branches over five years.

Is This Closure Linked to Lewisham Shopping Centre Redevelopment?

The closure does not stem directly from the shopping centre plans. From the Murky Depths clarified:

“It should be noted this doesn’t directly appear to be down to the shopping centre redevelopment. The M&S building was not due to go.”​

Separately, Time Out detailed the centre’s fate: Lewisham’s 1970s shopping centre, housing M&S among 65 outlets, faces demolition for 1,700 homes in towers up to 35 storeys. Developer Landsec Lewisham Limited seeks approval, opposed by a petition from Lewisham People’s Assembly calling it “social cleansing” and “gentrification,” with 1,300 signatures as of October 2025. Lewisham Council views it as a “once-in-a-generation” town centre overhaul.

What Are the Broader Impacts on Staff and Shoppers?

Staff redeployment remains a priority, as per Ricky Hill’s commitment to “offer them alternative roles at M&S wherever possible.” Shoppers face travel challenges to Bexleyheath or Bromley, both outside immediate Lewisham reach.​

Similar impacts appeared in other closures. In Sunderland, 74-year-old Neil called it a “crying shame,” while Denise Ward from Ryhope said: “It’s going downhill.” Alan Crawford, 74 from Pallion, deemed it “one of the worst things to happen to Sunderland,” stressing accessibility for the elderly. Hexham locals feared it as “another nail in the coffin” for the high street.​

How Does This Fit M&S’s National Store Strategy?

M&S’s “revitalization strategy” has shuttered stores like Middlesbrough’s 122-year branch in 2023 and recent ones in Hexham and Sunderland. The Sun noted closures despite profit surges, amid pressures from online shopping, cost-of-living rises, and energy costs.

In London, six new openings and eleven renewals this year show expansion elsewhere. Yahoo News echoed resident concerns in Lewisham, framing it within high street struggles.

What Alternatives Exist for Lewisham Shoppers?

M&S recommends Bexleyheath or Bromley for full shopping experiences. A potential food-only store in Lewisham is under exploration. News Shopper captured resident discussions on these options, with some viewing them as inadequate substitutes.

When Will the Closure Happen and What’s Next?

No firm closure date is set; it’s a proposal under consultation. Ongoing talks focus on staff and a food site search. Monitoring council responses and redevelopment will shape Lewisham’s retail future.