An M&S in south London has closed its doors after more than a century on the high street.
The Marks & Spencer store on Walworth Road, Southwark, became the latest M&S to close as part of the chain's extensive restructuring strategy.
It served its last customers on Saturday, June 8, after 111 years serving the community in Walworth.
Residents and former employees turned to social media to share memories of the store.
One person said on X: "It’s really sad to see it go, especially as M&S is still doing so well as a business!
"You can see it meant a lot to Walworth as a community!"
Another former customer added: "Sad news this.
"Family members worked in this M&S.
"A real heartbeat of the Walworth Road Community.
"Will definitely be missed."
A third resident called it a "massive loss" for the area.
Community group Walworth Society captured the last moments of the store, praising the "wonderful" staff for their service over the year.
They said on a social media post: "Sad moment as after 111 years the doors shut on the Walworth Rd M&S for the last time.
Sad moment as after 111 years the doors shut on the Walworth Rd M&S for the last time. But rousing send off to the wonderful M&S staff from a large number of local people and words of thanks to them for the amazing service they have given over so many years. pic.twitter.com/Z2S2mg1p1Z
— Walworth Society (@WalworthSociety) June 8, 2024
"But rousing send off to the wonderful M&S staff from a large number of local people and words of thanks to them for the amazing service they have given over so many years."
This closure is part of M&S' wider plan to shift its focus towards food-only shops.
By 2028, the chain aims to reduce its "full line" stores, which sell both clothing and food, from 247 to 180.
This restructuring will make room for the opening of an added 104 Simply Food branches.
Sidcup is one of nine areas in the UK set to get a new M&S Foodhall, with doors opening on June 19.
In March, Gordon Scott, regional manager at Marks and Spencer, said: "Shopping habits are changing, so we’re rotating our store estate to make sure we have the right stores with the right space to offer customers a brilliant shopping experience."
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