In a significant blow to the British high street, several major retailers have confirmed a wave of store closures scheduled for April 2026. Marks and Spencer, New Look, and The Original Factory Shop are among the prominent names shutting down locations, with many offering closing-down sales featuring discounts of up to 85%.
Marks and Spencer Cafés to Close
Marks and Spencer is set to shutter 14 in-store cafés as part of a broader store overhaul initiative. The closures, some of which are planned for April, aim to repurpose café space to expand product offerings and enhance the overall shopping experience.
Katie Whelan, M&S regional manager, explained the decision, stating, "Following a review of certain stores, we are re-purposing the café space to provide more product choice and improve the shopping experience." She acknowledged the potential disappointment for customers but assured that in-store teams would continue to provide service.
These cafés currently provide daily deals, including a 10% senior discount and a kids' menu priced at £4.50. The affected locations are spread across the UK, including Crawley in West Sussex, Dunblane in Stirling, Scotland, Congleton in Cheshire, Stone in Staffordshire, and multiple sites in Yorkshire, Kent, and other regions.
New Look Continues Store Reduction
Fashion retailer New Look, which closed 51 UK stores last year, is preparing for an additional closure in April 2026. The Carrickfergus branch in Northern Ireland is currently operating a closing-down sale, with its final trading day set for April 15.
The Original Factory Shop Administration Impact
The Original Factory Shop, which entered administration earlier this year, has confirmed further closures in April. Branches in Redruth and Stanley are among those shutting down, following last month's closures in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cromer, Gorleston-on-Sea, Snettisham, Garstang, and Bungay.
Affected stores are running closing-down sales with substantial discounts, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the retail sector. The Mirror has reached out to M&S, New Look, and The Original Factory Shop for additional comments on these developments.
