REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has met with company bosses from Marks and Spencer to press the case for an M&S food store to be retained.
She was joined by management from the Kingfisher Shopping Centre at the meeting on Tuesday to get M&S to reconsider their decision due to the implications the closure will have on Redditch’s town centre.
However M&S explained that, like many retailers, the growth in online shopping has had an impact on the viability of their town centre offering.
Kingfisher representatives suggested alternative spaces within the centre for M&S to relocate to adding the shopping centre is seeing an increase in footfall, despite moving trends to shop online.
However, bosses from M&S were unable to give any reassurances or guarantees, but confirmed discussions are still ongoing.
“Like many residents, I was very disappointed to hear about Marks and Spencer decision to pull out of our town centre,” said Mrs Maclean.
“The Kingfisher is the beating heart of our town centre which is why it is even more of a shame that a major national retailer is leaving because the brand has significance over and above just being a clothing and food store.
“That’s why I set-up this meeting with M&S and the Kingfisher to get the company to reconsider their decision. I believe there is great scope for M&S to retain a food hall in the Kingfisher.
“Most importantly though I sought assurances about the relocation of staff and the status of their jobs. I will keep in touch with M&S to monitor the situation.”
