Marks and Spencer has embarked on a significant retail transformation in the historic city of Bath, closing one of its longest-serving stores after nearly a century of operation while simultaneously unveiling a major new flagship location.
A £17 Million Retail Investment
The retail giant has invested a substantial £17 million into this strategic move, which sees the permanent closure of its Stall Street branch on Tuesday, February 3, followed immediately by the launch of its gleaming new SouthGate premises on Wednesday, February 4. This represents one of the most substantial retail investments in Bath's recent history.
End of an Era After 92 Years
The closure marks the end of a remarkable 92-year chapter for the Stall Street location, which had become an iconic part of Bath's shopping landscape. Bath and North East Somerset Council has confirmed that Marks and Spencer holds an extended lease on the now-vacated premises, with reports from November indicating the lease still had a "very significant period" remaining.
The company has stated it is actively collaborating with the council regarding the building's future purpose, though no specific plans have been announced publicly.
The New Four-Level Flagship Experience
The replacement store represents a comprehensive upgrade in both scale and offering. Spanning four expansive levels, the new flagship outlet will operate from 9am until 7pm daily and features:
- Complete M&S Food hall with market-style cuisine
- On-site bakery producing fresh goods daily
- Fresh produce sourced directly from M&S Select Farms
- Comprehensive fashion departments
- Homeware and beauty sections
- Specialist flower and wine departments
- A 140-seater M&S Coffee Shop serving brunch, lunch and hot beverages
Strategic Location and Worker Transition
The new premises occupies what was previously a Debenhams store that had stood vacant since 2021, breathing new life into a prominent city centre location. All workers from the closed Stall Street branch have been successfully relocated to the new flagship store, ensuring continuity of employment and local expertise.
Natalie Jordan, store manager at Bath SouthGate, expressed enthusiasm ahead of the opening: "We got the keys to the new store this Monday and the whole team has been working hard to get everything ready for the big reveal on Wednesday. Our new location already looks incredible, and I know our customers will absolutely love the space, the layout and the amazing quality, trusted value products we have waiting."
Broader Retail Context
This move forms part of a broader transformation for SouthGate Bath, with Laurence Budden, Senior Asset Manager at British Land, commenting: "We are delighted to welcome Marks and Spencer to SouthGate Bath; they are the perfect addition to our strong lineup and further enhance the mix for our visitors. SouthGate's prominent city centre location and strong transport links create a compelling offer, and with this the scheme is now fully let."
The development follows other recent openings at SouthGate including Sunglass Hut, Zara and Rituals, with Budden adding that "more exciting news" is expected throughout what he describes as "a transformational year for SouthGate."
This strategic relocation represents Marks and Spencer's continued adaptation to changing retail patterns while maintaining a strong presence in key regional centres, combining historic closure with substantial new investment in the same community.
