M&S Athlone to remain as four stores to close

Marks & Spencer has announced that four of its stores will close as part of a strategic review of its stores in the country.

The four,  M&S Mullingar, Co Westmeath; M&S Tallaght, Dublin 24; M&S Simply Food Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin and M&S Simply Food Naas, Co Kildare, will close in the coming weeks with the loss of 180 jobs.

Athlone M&S is safe and the company said over the next year its remaining stores will be invested in.

A new flagship M&S store is proposed for Limerick. Heads of terms have been agreed and, subject to completion of contracts, the store is proposed to open in 2016, creating 250 new jobs; 

Jonathan Glenister, Head of M&S Ireland said: “M&S remains fully committed to its Irish business. We have traded here for the last 35 years, employ around 2,800 people and have extraordinarily loyal Irish customers, but the last few years have been very challenging. During this time our Republic of Ireland business has been under continuous review and we have made savings and found efficiencies wherever possible.

“However, the retail sector outlook has not improved and we have to act now to protect the long term good of the company. We have carried out a strategic store review and it is with regret that we are now closing four unprofitable stores. 

 “Our first duty is to our affected store teams and we have spoken to them directly today.  We will now do all that we can to help them through the coming weeks and support them with their future employment needs. We are now closely engaging with our Union Officials from Mandate and SIPTU on all matters arising.

 “Despite taking this difficult business decision, we are very proud of our Irish business and will continue to invest in it for the future. We hope that the news of a new flagship store for Limerick and an investment in our remaining estate will be welcomed by our customers and seen as a confirmation of our commitment to the Republic of Ireland.” 

The four stores earmarked to be shut down will be closed for the remainder of the day and it is intended that the stores will re-open tomorrow and trade until Saturday 17 August.