Which M&s Stores Are Closing In 2026

So, grab your coffee—or tea, if you’re feeling fancy—because we need to have a little chat about M&S. You know, the place with the Percy Pigs and the £5 meal deals that somehow feel like a luxury?

Well, grab a napkin, because there’s some big news about which M&S stores are closing in 2026. And yes, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster—like eating a Colin the Caterpillar cake while riding a unicycle.

First, let’s rip off the Band-Aid. M&S isn’t shutting down—relax. But they are shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic of high street retail. They’re closing a bunch of “full-line” stores—the big ones with clothes, home, and food.

Why? Because they want to be “Food First.” Sound familiar? It’s like your friend who ditched their gym membership for a cheese board—embracing the real priorities. In 2026, expect to say goodbye to several stores that are simply too big, too old, or too… lonely.

The Big Shutdown: Where Are They Going?

Okay, let’s name names. The biggest casualty is the M&S in Croydon’s Centrale shopping centre. It’s closing in early 2026. Yes, the one where you used to buy school uniforms that never fit properly.

Then there’s the Colchester store—the one on the high street. It’s shutting its doors for good. And don’t even get me started on the Norwich branch in the Chapelfield shopping centre. That one’s going too. It’s like a game of retail Monopoly, and these properties are landing on “Go to Jail.”

Other confirmed closures include Staines, Falkirk, and a tiny little shop in Brentwood. Oh, and the Londonderry (Derry) store in Northern Ireland—that one’s definitely on the list. Honestly, I’m getting a headache just listing them.

But Wait—There’s a Twist!

Here’s the thing: M&S isn’t just closing stores. They’re also opening new ones—mostly food halls. It’s like they’re trading their brown leather jackets for a pack of shortbread. Priorities, people.

So while you’re mourning the loss of your local giant M&S, a shiny new “Food to Go” might pop up in a petrol station near you. It’s a trade-off: fewer clothes racks, more Melting Middle Chocolate Puddings. Is it a win? You decide.

For example, the Colchester store is being replaced by a smaller M&S Foodhall. Same for Staines. It’s like getting a mini-me version of your favorite shop. Cute, but also a little bit sad, like a shrunken sweater.

Why Are They Doing This?

Honestly? It’s all about money, baby. M&S realized that giant stores in weird locations (looking at you, old arcades) weren’t making enough profit. Plus, nobody is buying suits in 2026—everyone’s wearing joggers to weddings.

So they’re cutting the dead weight. Think of it as a retail liposuction. They’re keeping the good bits (food, underwear, Percy Pigs) and chucking the flabby bits (the homeware section where you couldn’t find a single toaster).

Oh, and online shopping? That’s a huge reason. Why drive to a big store when you can order Dine In for Two from your sofa while wearing pajamas? M&S knows. They know.

So, How Do I Know If My Store Is Closing?

Good question. M&S has a “Store Closure List” on their website, but it changes faster than a Percy Pig’s smile. The best bet? Check local news—or just ask the cashier next time you’re buying sticky toffee pudding. They usually know before the CEO does.

Alternatively, look for signs: if your M&S has more closed escalators than open ones, start worrying. If the food hall is the only floor that’s busy, a closure is brewing.

As of now, the confirmed 2026 list includes Croydon, Colchester, Norwich, Staines, Falkirk, Brentwood, and Londonderry. I’m sure there are more, but M&S is being mysterious about it. Like a cat playing with a ball of wool—sneaky.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Let’s be real: losing an M&S is like losing a dependable friend. The friend who always brings a nice bottle of wine and a sensible scarf. But hey, change is the only constant, right?

And honestly? The new food halls are genuinely nice. They’re smaller, faster, and packed with ready meals that make you feel like a chef. Plus, you can grab a Chicken Kyiv and a bag of posh crisps in under two minutes.

So, while we bid a sad farewell to the big stores, let’s raise a mug of M&S hot chocolate to the future. It might be smaller, but it’ll still have butterflies on the biscuits. And that, my friend, is something worth fighting for.

Now, go hug your nearest M&S. And buy a Percy Pig—for old times’ sake. You won’t regret it.