Leicester residents have set up a petition calling against the proposed closure of the city’s Marks and Spencer’s store.
The retailer confirmed on 1 May that it had made “the tough decision to propose to close” the Gallowtree Gate shop in Leicester which has been apart of the city’s high street since the 1930s.
Although bosses have confirmed that investment would be made into the nearby Fosse Park store, Leicester residents are fighting to keep the store open in the city, with many pointing towards its convenience for those who don’t drive.
A petition set up by Christine Geschke has won the support of nearly 100 residents within 3 days of its launch.
“The Marks & Spencer store in Leicester is vital to our local economy,” she said. “It also provides a much needed service to the community – particularly for older people and those that don’t drive.”
“The city centre store is a vital resource, both as a source of employment, and for shoppers reliant on the bus service,” added Adrianne Jones who signed the petition.
M&S regional manager Calum Telford said workers at the store would be offered alternative roles in the business “wherever possible”.
“Shopping habits are changing and our store rotation strategy is all about making sure we have the right stores with the right space to deliver a brilliant shopping experience for our customers,” he said.
“That means opening stores, investing in stores but also sadly closing others. As part of this transformation, we have made the tough decision to propose to close our Gallowtree Gate store in Leicester. We would like to thank all our customers who have shopped at the store over the years.
“Our priority now is talking to our colleagues about what this means for them and should the proposals go ahead, we will offer them alternative roles with M&S wherever possible.
“We are proud to have a strong footprint across the East Midlands and since 2020, have invested over £20million in our stores across the region. Our distribution centre is based at Castle Donington, employing over 1,700 people, and in which we have made a multi-million-pound investment over the past six years.
“In addition, this year we are also investing in our Fosse Park store in Leicestershire.”
To sign the petition or to find out more, visit: https://www.change.org/p/save-our-marks-and-spencer/c
