M&S say buying habits are 'changing' but shoppers fear it may lead to more shops closing.
Shoppers have described sadness and frustration at the closure of two Marks and Spencer stores in the North East.The retailer said the move was prompted by "changing" shopping habits and added it had invested £13m in its North East stores over the past year.
However residents in Sunderland said it had been "one of the worst things to happen" to the city and worry for the high street's future.M&S announced its plan to shut the branch in January, with a new, larger shop at the Washington Galleries set to open. Historic England confirmed it had received an application for listing the store in the city centre, which was made by Sunderland Conservatives.
Councillor Lyall Reed said listing would protect the building from "inconsiderate changes to its Art Deco architecture".Neil, 74, and Norma, 84, from Sunderland said it was a "crying shame" and the "end of era" as it followed the closures of flagship department stores like Binns and Joplings."We come here every week, it’s certainly going to change how often I come into the town centre, I won’t be coming in as often which is sad.
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