Marks and Spencer has announced the closure of its Foodhall at Friars Walk in Newport as the retailer continues to review its store estate amid changing shopping habits
Marks and Spencer has confirmed the impending closure of one of its flagship stores in south Wales. Staff at the M&S Foodhall in Friars Walk, Newport, were informed on Tuesday, April 7, that the store is set to shut its doors in June.
The closure has been described as a “death penalty” for the city centre’s high street. A company spokesperson explained that the closure is due to “customer shopping habits are changing” and the store’s lease coming to an end in June.
The company is providing support to the store’s staff and considering options for alternative roles at nearby M&S outlets, reports Wales Online.
Richard Owen, M&S regional manager, stated: “Customer shopping habits are changing and as part of our UK‐wide store rotation programme we are continually reviewing our store estate to ensure we have the right stores in the right places, with the right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience.
“Following the recent expiry of our lease we have decided to close the M&S store in Newport Gwent at Friars Walk towards the end of June 2026.”
Mr Owen added: “We understand this will be disappointing for some customers and colleagues. Our priority is to support our colleagues through this change, including exploring alternative roles at nearby M&S stores wherever possible. We will continue serving Newport customers through those nearby stores and online.”
The retailer confirmed the closure of its Oxford Street store in Swansea back in February. Although an exact closure date for the store has yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated to be sometime in 2026.
Speaking to South Wales Argus, one shopper shared their shock over the news. “I’m really shocked that Marks and Spencer’s are going. It’s always really busy. My wife works in the solicitors nearby and they use it a lot. It always seems to be very, very busy,” the Newport resident said.
He went on to describe the closure as “a death penalty for Newport”.
“With the shops shutting, I think it’s a combination of many things: internet shopping, retail parks, parking, whereas areas like Cwmbran are free. But I’m really shocked that they’re closing,” he added.
An exact closing date for the location has not been confirmed by the brand. M&S previously announced the closure of a store in Swansea earlier this year.