Marks & Spencer has officially confirmed the closure of its Cwmbran Simply Food outlet, sparking disappointment across the local community.
This decision marks another step in the company’s nationwide restructuring strategy, which focuses on shifting away from traditional town centre stores.
While closures like this are becoming increasingly common, residents of Cwmbran feel the loss deeply, especially after already witnessing one M&S shutdown in 2019.
The upcoming closure on September 27 adds another chapter to the evolving story of UK high street retail, leaving many to wonder what lies ahead for local shopping landscapes.
What Has Been Confirmed About the M&S Closure in Cwmbran?
The M&S Simply Food store located within Cwmbran town centre is officially set to close on Saturday, September 27. The announcement was made via a store notice board, surprising many loyal customers who frequented the small outlet for everyday groceries.
Positioned in a former WHSmith unit, this particular branch carried a limited range of M&S food items, making it a convenient stop for local shoppers.
This isn’t the first closure in the area. In 2019, Cwmbran also lost its main M&S superstore, which offered a full range of products. The closure this month completes the brand’s withdrawal from the town.
Key points about the closure:
- Final trading day: Saturday, September 27
- Store type: M&S Simply Food (limited product range)
- Replacement recommendation: Nearest M&S in Malpas, Newport
- Reason: Review of franchise locations and business performance
M&S has reassured customers they can still access their favourite products at a larger store nearby. However, many residents believe the convenience of a local outlet can’t be easily replaced.
Why Is Marks and Spencer Closing Its Town Centre Stores Across the UK?
Marks & Spencer’s decision to close the Cwmbran store is not an isolated case. It is part of a much wider transformation plan aimed at streamlining operations and future-proofing the retail brand.
Before diving into the specific strategy, it’s important to understand the wider context of UK high streets and consumer behaviour.
Is This Part of a Larger Business Strategy?
Yes. M&S announced a major overhaul of its retail structure. The brand aims to cut down traditional department stores from 247 to 180 by 2026 and open 100 new food-only stores. These new stores are strategically located in high-footfall, accessible areas rather than struggling town centres.
The company is investing £500 million to revitalise its store portfolio to better suit modern consumer preferences, which are leaning more toward convenience, accessibility and online integration.
How Has the Pandemic Accelerated These Changes?
The COVID-19 pandemic had a lasting impact on shopping habits. Many consumers switched to online purchases and larger one-stop shopping experiences, avoiding smaller town centre visits. M&S has admitted some of its stores “never fully recovered” post-COVID.
Strategic Shift: What’s Changing?
- Traditional department stores reduced
- Focus on single-function food halls
- High-cost locations underperforming are being exited
- Newer, tech-integrated stores are being prioritised
This strategy is affecting many towns like Cwmbran, where footfall and store size don’t meet the company’s new operational criteria.
How Are Local Shoppers Reacting to the Cwmbran Store Closure?
The announcement of the M&S closure has sparked a passionate response from residents in Cwmbran. Many expressed frustration and sadness on local forums and social media platforms.
Shoppers feel that the closure will leave a void in the town centre, especially for older residents or those without easy access to transport. Some have even described the closure as “the final blow” to retail in the area.
Feedback from the community includes:
- “I’m gutted. I always stop in for essentials after work.”
- “We definitely need a proper M&S in town.”
- “I hate going to Newport with all the traffic, so I don’t bother!”
- “The store may have been small, but it was always useful.”
Key concerns expressed by locals:
- Loss of convenience: Short walks replaced with long drives
- Emotional attachment: Many had memories linked with M&S
- Lack of alternatives: Few stores provide similar quality locally
- Traffic and accessibility: Visiting Newport is not feasible for all
This emotional reaction highlights how integral even a small M&S branch can be to a community.
What Is the History of M&S Presence in Cwmbran?
Marks & Spencer has had a presence in Cwmbran for several years. In 2019, the company closed its large department store in the town, which had offered food, clothing and homeware products. That closure was already a significant loss for the local retail scene.
To retain some presence, M&S opened a smaller Simply Food outlet in a former WHSmith location within the shopping centre. However, this store had a limited range, which many customers found restrictive.
Despite this, the store remained a reliable stop for essential groceries. Its location in the heart of the town centre made it a preferred choice for quick and convenient shopping. The fact that both stores have now closed shows a complete exit by M&S from the town, which many residents did not anticipate so soon.
What Alternatives Do Shoppers Have After the Closure?
With the closure confirmed, residents of Cwmbran will need to adjust their shopping routines. While M&S has pointed shoppers toward the Newport Malpas Road location, accessibility is a concern.
Below is a comparison of available alternatives:
| Alternative Store | Distance from Cwmbran | Type | Product Range |
| M&S Malpas, Newport | Approx. 6 miles | Full-line | Wide range |
| Morrisons Cwmbran | In town | Supermarket | Full groceries |
| Lidl Cwmbran | In town | Discount Supermarket | Groceries and essentials |
| Asda Cwmbran | In town | Hypermarket | Wide range |
| Tesco Pontypool | Approx. 5 miles | Supermarket | Full groceries |
These alternatives may cover the grocery needs, but for those specifically loyal to M&S products, the closure remains a significant inconvenience.
How Will This Impact the Local Economy and Retail Footfall?
The closure of an M&S store often has a ripple effect on the surrounding local economy, especially in smaller towns like Cwmbran. While the store itself may be relatively small, its presence draws foot traffic that benefits nearby businesses.
Potential impacts include:
- Reduced footfall in Cwmbran Shopping Centre
- Smaller retailers may lose customers
- Job losses directly or indirectly related to the store
- Decreased rental values for nearby retail spaces
Shoppers often combine visits to M&S with other errands or meals out. The absence of this “anchor store” can cause a decline in overall retail activity.
Additional concerns:
- Local taxis and public transport may see fewer shoppers
- Surrounding cafes and stores may experience downturn
- Negative perception of retail stability in Cwmbran
In short, the closure isn’t just about one brand leaving, it could signify broader challenges ahead for the high street.
Is There a Possibility of Relocation or Replacement?
As of now, there are no official plans to relocate the M&S store within Cwmbran. However, speculation remains among residents who hope for a new Simply Food branch in a better-suited location.
M&S has been non-committal, simply directing shoppers to the Newport location. Still, suggestions from locals offer insight into what might work better.
Suggestions from the community include:
- A larger standalone M&S Food Hall, similar to Amazon Fresh
- Introduction of delivery services like Deliveroo or Uber Eats for M&S groceries
- A pop-up or seasonal store during festive seasons
Though there’s no confirmation of replacement, the demand clearly exists, especially among those who avoid shopping in Newport due to accessibility issues.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Retail in Welsh Towns?
The closure of M&S in Cwmbran echoes a larger trend affecting small towns across Wales and the UK. Retail is rapidly evolving, with major brands choosing to withdraw from underperforming locations.
Implications for towns like Cwmbran:
- Loss of brand presence weakens town centre appeal
- Customers migrate to larger urban hubs for shopping
- Online shopping rises, reducing footfall further
- Local councils pressured to innovate town planning
Below is a summary of retail changes affecting Welsh towns:
| Trend | Impact on Local Towns |
| High street store closures | Reduces customer attraction |
| Increased online retail | Less in-person shopping activity |
| Single-function store models | Brands prefer focused store formats |
| Demand for convenience and parking | Towns without easy access lose trade |
Welsh towns must adapt by incentivising new businesses, improving public transport, and embracing hybrid retail models to avoid further decline.
Conclusion
The confirmed closure of the M&S Simply Food store in Cwmbran on September 27 marks the end of an era for the town.
While the store was small, it held a significant place in the daily lives of many locals. This decision is part of a broader retail shift by M&S, focused on profitability and strategic placement.
Yet for Cwmbran’s community, the closure is more than just a business move. It is a tangible loss of convenience, tradition, and trust in local retail resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact address of the Cwmbran M&S Simply Food store?
It was located in Cwmbran town centre, occupying the former WHSmith unit inside the shopping mall.
Will M&S customers in Cwmbran still be able to access online services?
Yes, M&S online services including grocery delivery and Click & Collect are still available for Cwmbran residents.
How far is the nearest M&S after the Cwmbran closure?
The nearest M&S is located in Malpas, Newport, which is approximately six miles away from Cwmbran.
Is the Newport M&S capable of handling increased footfall?
Yes, the Newport branch is larger and better equipped to handle more shoppers, offering a broader product range.
Has M&S faced similar backlash in other towns?
Yes, other towns have also responded with disappointment after M&S closures, especially where stores were long-standing fixtures.
What other big brands have recently left town centres in Wales?
Several well-known retailers including Debenhams and Wilko have also shut down locations across Wales in recent years.
Can local councils influence major retail closures like this one?
Local councils can offer incentives or redevelopment plans, but they have limited power over private corporate decisions.
Also Read:
- Greggs Store Closures | Why 56 Stores Shut Down Across the UK in 2025?
- New Look Store Closures 2025 | Are New Look Shops Closing Down?
- Tesco Store Closures 2025 | Which Stores Are Shutting Across the UK?
- Aldi Store Closures UK | Confirmed Holiday Closures Across All Branches
- Morrisons Store Closures | Which Stores Are Closing and When?
