M&S to close busy store on August 15 – but 'not without a fight’

A popular Marks and Spencer store has confirmed it will close for good next month. However, locals are not "letting it go without a fight" with a petition launched to save the supermarket.

The M&S on Streatham High Road, London, will shut on Saturday, August 15 with the retailer describing the move as a "tough decision". Meanwhile, fans of the store have described it as the "best" branch that was "always so busy" while others described the closure as "heartbreaking". A petition has now been set up in a last-minute bid to save the store and currently has around 1,500 signatures.

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The Streatham Scoop, a local social media site, said it was not clear why the shop was closing or what will be replacing it. It added: "Understandably, locals aren’t letting it go without a fight! A petition has already been launched by residents to try and save the branch."

The petition, which was created on June 30, describes the M&S store as an "essential anchor for our community" and urges supermarket bosses to reconsider the closure.

It adds: "It provides vital access to high-quality fresh food, serves as a crucial Click & Collect hub for local residents, and employs dedicated local staff members."

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The petition continues: "The loss of this iconic flagship store will create a massive gap on our high street, devastating footfall and hurting neighbouring small businesses. High streets across the country are struggling, and losing our beloved M&S Simply Food will strip away a core pillar of our local community."

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Although the M&S is set to shut next month, there is a nearby Foodhall located on Streatham Hill. However, the petition describes this location as "completely impractical" for families, elderly and less mobile shoppers.

There is also an M&S in Tooting but the petition states this store is "not easy to access by public transport". According to Google Maps, the store earmarked for closure and the store in Tooting are around 15 to 20 minutes away by bus.

The petition adds: "We urge M&S leadership to listen to their loyal customers, review the lease agreement, and commit to keeping the Streatham High Road branch open!"

An M&S spokesperson said: "We have however made the tough decision to close our Streatham High Road on Saturday 15th August.

"Sadly, we are not able to offer the shopping experience we want to for customers and the store’s performance has not been where it needs to be."