I went shopping in a doomed M&S store and it felt like a funeral – one woman was shaking

There’s a sense of mourning in the air

M&S cafe connects generations. It’s the place where mothers bring their babies for coffee mornings, or where grandparents bring their grandchildren for a ham sandwich and a fruit shoot. For many it is a place of nostalgia that brings happiness when you walk through it’s doors, and the smell of cheese toasties takes you back to your childhood. That’s no longer the case in Swansea.

Just days ago, shoppers and staff were shocked by the decision to close the long running store which celebrated its 123rd birthday in 2025. Marks and Spencer has always been a staple in Swansea, and as shops have come and gone over the years it was one of the rare locations that locals expected to stay.

As I’m sat in the cafe on a grey Thursday morning, the saying “death of the high street” has never felt more apparent as there’s a sense of mourning in the air. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here

Like a typical day the store is busy, and the restaurant is filled with older ladies catching up over a coffee. There’s lingers of “I still can’t believe it” and apologies to the staff who are set to lose their jobs. One woman shared that she is so upset about the news, and was really shaken when she read that her favourite store would be closing.

Over 90 members of staff will be losing their jobs when the store closes later this year and they have no idea what is coming next for them. I spoke to one staff member, who has worked for the company for over 20 years and there are still questions lingering for those facing unemployment. Will they be relocated? Will they have to look for a new job? Will this happen to other stores?

Meanwhile, punters are wondering where is the nearest location to get their M&S fix.

“Well, we can do our food shop in Fforestfach or Mumbles, but if we want to get some clothes we’ll have to trek all the way to Trostre in Llanelli or even Cardiff.”

When you see the usual hustle and bustle, you can’t help but wonder why would they be closing. There’s a clear demand from regulars who will have just months to find somewhere new to get their weekly afternoon teas, with rumours swirling that the shop will close in May.

Despite the sad news you can still hear ripples of laughter from tables of locals and staff, as everyone is making the most of what could be considered the hub of Swansea before it vanishes.

There’s a real sense of community here, and honestly that is what makes it so sad. For some, heading for their weekly coffee catch up with their mates in Marks may be the highlight of their week and could even be the only time they really leave the house.

As a child, I would look forward to the occasional trips to M&S with my grandmother or my auntie. I’d feel so grown up. But then as I got older, that excitement faded and it became uncool. That was until I reached my mid 20s and began to truly appreciate the fact that this was a store that had everything in one place- good food and rather trendy clothes.

What used to be considered a shop for OAPs to get their quarter zip jumpers and their comfortable shoes, has become a hot spot for Gen Z to pick up good quality fashionable garments (I couldn’t help but pick up a top in the sale during my visit).

With so many stores in Swansea disappearing due to financial pressures, like Woolworths, Wilko, Zara, Debenhams, Miss Selfridge, David Evans and now Marks & Spencer, I can imagine the footfall in Swansea will soon disappear too. This will inevitably have a knock on impact on other businesses in the area, and they’re bound to be scared, especially if a big shop like M&S is closing, what hope do small independent alternatives have.

Walking through Swansea city centre feels quite bleak, as what used to be a bustling city full of clothes shops has been replaced with endless fast food chains catered to those nipping in on their lunch break. Gone are the days where you could spend a day shopping, as people pop in to town for an evening meal, head to the cinema or head down Wind Street on a night out.

It’s such a shame that after money has been funnelled in to the likes of the arena, and the refurbishment of Castle Gardens, Swansea’s high street feels almost like it is beyond repair. Those of us who are used to shopping online may not feel as impacted, but the biddies in Marks will definitely feel the loss.

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