Marks & Spencer to close dozens of stores - but what about Chichester's?

The retailer said that while almost all of the clothing and home departments in its 254 full-line stores are profitable, a number are in ‘long-term decline’, struggle to cover their allocated costs and ‘cannot justify future investment’.

Around 30 stores will be closed outright but the cuts are not believed to include M&S's foodhalls.

A spokesperson for Chichester District Council said: "Our district’s high streets are really important to us and we are working closely with our partners to support local businesses in a number of different ways.

"All of our stores have a vital place on the high street and we hope that our local Marks and Spencer stores won’t be affected by any store closure decision."

The company said the aim is to have a ‘fully modernised core’ of around 180 stores, constituting 100 stores in prime retail markets – an increase of 20 – and around 80 stores in ‘core markets’ – an increase of 15.

That would be achieved in part by relocating high street units to retail parks.

Regarding the remaining 110 current stores, an M&S spokesman said they would either be relocated to a food only store, another full-line store or consolidating multiple stores into one.