Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Jonathan Brady PA Wire/PA Images

Marks & Spencer says it's committed to Ireland amid plans to close stores

The retailer has seen a large dip in profits.

MARKS AND SPENCER has said it remains committed to its Irish outlets as it plans to scale back operations.

M&S is set to close down about 30 clothing and homeware stores in the UK and turn a further 45 into food shops.

The retailer also plans to close 53 stores in 10 loss-making international markets, including France, the Netherlands and China.

The announcement was made as the company published its half-year results today, showing its pre-tax profit dropped by 88.4% to £25.1 million (about €28.2 million) – down from £216 million (€242.8 million) in the same period last year.

Steve Rowe, M&S CEO, said: “We have now completed a forensic review of our estate both in the UK and in our international markets. Over the next five years we will transform our UK estate with circa 60 fewer Clothing & Home stores, whilst continuing to increase the number of our Simply Food stores.

Internationally, we propose to cease trading in 10 loss making owned markets, but intend to continue to develop our presence through our strong franchise partners.

“These are tough decisions, but vital to building a future M&S that is simpler, more relevant, multi-channel and focused on delivering sustainable returns.”

In a separate statement, Alison Grainger, head of M&S in Ireland, said the retailer “will continue to operate its profitable owned business in the Republic of Ireland, where there is strong brand awareness, an established store estate and loyal customer base”.

“Customers can continue to shop with us at our 17 Irish stores and via our Irish website,” Grainger added.

Read: This is the route Irish Water wants its Shannon to Dublin pipeline to take

Read: They’ve changed the shape of Toblerones and people are not happy

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
44 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seamus Larkin
    Favourite Seamus Larkin
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:25 PM

    Terrible comments. We should withdraw our aid from this backward regime until it treats all peoples with human rights.

    163
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Begrudgy
    Favourite Begrudgy
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:28 PM

    Could say the same about this country.

    85
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ryan Ash
    Favourite Ryan Ash
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:56 PM

    @ Begrudgy: For all the criticism of this country, I believe we will be within the first 15 countries in the world to legalise gay marriage in 2015 as well as one of the first to legalise adoption by gay couples.

    That is most definitely a better record on gay rights than Nigeria’s.

    104
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marcus power
    Favourite Marcus power
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 11:14 PM

    Ryan. ….I hope we can drop the inappropriate. … and dated moniker “gay ” and start just having adoption and marraige as rights in the societies that we live in as citizens. ..taxpayers and residents. …maybe I’m living in a fools paradise ????

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donny White
    Favourite Donny White
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:40 PM

    Considering there are more convicted rapists than open homosexuals in Nigeria, I would respectfully suggest the good doctor address the more systemic and evil of the two issues.

    157
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute hjGfIgAq
    Favourite hjGfIgAq
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:24 PM

    Hi everyone,
    If you could be mindful and respectful while leaving comments on this article, it would be much appreciated. We have a comments policy that can be read here: http://www.thejournal.ie/comments-policy/
    Any racist, homophobic or offensive comments will be deleted.
    Thanks in advance,
    Aoife

    116
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Wallace Friend
    Favourite Wallace Friend
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:35 PM

    You guys are overzealous with your moderation to the point of censorship.

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Wallace Friend
    Favourite Wallace Friend
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:31 PM

    Whatever happened to freedom of speech? You might not like what they’re saying (and I certainly don’t!) but they do have the right to say it!

    83
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm Durkan
    Favourite Colm Durkan
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:37 PM

    No, you don’t have the right to publicly say that homosexuality is the same as paedophilia.

    173
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Wallace Friend
    Favourite Wallace Friend
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:42 PM

    Why?

    I’m not saying I agree there exists such a link, but who are you to censor anyone else saying as they please?

    48
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Buster Ó Briain
    Favourite Buster Ó Briain
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:53 PM

    They can say what they want, and we have the right to criticise it.

    Having the right to say something doesn’t make it exempt from criticism.

    92
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ryan Ash
    Favourite Ryan Ash
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 11:05 PM

    @ Wallace: I don’t see anyone seeking to stop the Ambassador’s right to free speech. Merely he is being attacked and criticised for making such an invalid, untrue and hurtful comparison.

    @ Everyone:

    Normally I am not a fan of his, but I think Noel Whelan summed it up pretty well at the weekend in his Irish Times article:

    “Many liberals seem to be afraid to let a conservative position be heard in the debate. Do they lack confidence in their own ability to counter it? It is worrying at this important moment, a year out from when the people will directly decide on the issue, that a pattern has already developed of seeking to edit out opposing views rather than confront and defeat them.”

    http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/readiness-to-hurl-the-word-homophobe-may-not-help-the-liberal-reform-agenda-1.1667387

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Garáiste Ó Churáinn-Seisean
    Favourite Garáiste Ó Churáinn-Seisean
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 11:07 PM

    Metro Eireann showed poor judgement giving this man an award . Perhaps they should have considered honouring that gay Kenyan writer Ken Binyavanga Wainaina who came out in the past few weeks in a country that being gay is illegal . Countries who have human rights issues whatever the discrimination should have sanctions placed on aid

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Ryan
    Favourite Martin Ryan
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 11:16 PM

    That would be most countries worldwide so can’t see it working somehow.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sammy Sausages
    Favourite Sammy Sausages
    Report
    Jan 27th 2014, 10:49 PM

    I don’t like what he said but I’m not a fan of censorship either (or sending solicitor’s letters to gag people)….. I certainly don’t think this Governor should be in line for any type of an award with such an inhumane view of gay people.

    It’s easy to cater to populist opinions in your country, but it takes bravery and strength of character to say what is right.

    44
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds