Jobs at risk as M&S to shut Newcastle store
UP TO 19 jobs are under threat after Marks & Spencer announced it is closing its Newcastle shop as part of cost-cutting plans.
The Simply Food outlet on Castle Walk is among 27 UK stores to be axed by the ailing high street giant, with the loss of 780 jobs.
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M&S Simply Food store on Castle Walk, Newcastle
The company has begun consulting with workers in Newcastle and said it would try to find alternative jobs in other stores in the region, where possible.
It is cutting a further 450 administrative posts at its head office after like-for-like sales tumbled 7.1 per cent in the 13 weeks to December 27 – its biggest sales collapse since September 1999.
The Castle Walk outlet opened in 2003 and attracted more than 2,000 customers on its first day alone.
However, the business has been hit by falling consumer spending and has cut back on Simply Food outlets across the country after a 5.2 per cent fall in food sales.
Executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose said: "We expect challenging economic conditions to continue for at least the next 12 months, we believe we are taking the right action to maintain the strength of our business."
For more on this story, see tomorrow's Sentinel.
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by NEILingdown, newcastle
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 6:59PM
“How many people who posted here, buy stuff of the internet? .Loads I dare bet, Wonder why the shops are shutting, It's a no brainer.”
by Jennie, Newcastle under Lyme
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 6:46PM
“What a shame they are closing this store! They always seem to be quite busy (there is always a queue) and we don't have another food outlet like this in the town centre. I have also always found the staff to be helpful and polite. What will it turn into, another mobile phone shop, or maybe another hairdressers or travel agents? I will miss having M&S in Newcastle and wish all of the staff the best for the future.”
by Judy, Werrington
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 6:44PM
“My thoughts are with the poor staff that will be loosing their jobs. I regularly shop in M&S in Newcastle it is handy to call in there during my lunch break. Liz is right Newcastle will be a ghost town!”
by Andrew, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 5:53PM
“I am most dissappointed that M&S are closing the Newcastle under lyme food store, i always thought they would relocate to a larger premise so i was shocked that this decision was reached When I used this store it always seemed to be busy. Lets say it"s not just food, it"s profit that counts.”
by anon, stoke-on-trent
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 4:46PM
“I feel very sorry for those loosing their jobs, but has I haven't been welcome in shops, or town centres for years, its no loss to me. I had 5 mins in Hanley the week before Christmas & that was enough, not long enough for the cops to start parading around to more me on.”
by Jim, stoke
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 4:03PM
“Well Maureen he doesn't know what he's missing that's all I can say. You can't beat a good game of footy - give it a go M and sod the murders.”
by Maureen, Newcastle
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 3:56PM
“You are a classy gentleman aren't you Jim? I'll have you know I much prefer a G&T in front of Midsummer Murders to watching a load of oiks running around after a ball. That nice John Nettles would never be seen dead in Home Bargains I'm sure!”
by Jim, stoke
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 3:49PM
“They sound nice Maureen but you can't beat my favourites - mint humbugs which are plentiful in Home Bargains. They have every variety of mint humbug available on the market today. So go and treat yourself to some of them tonight with a nice bottle of red and watch Utd in the Carling cup - bliss.”
by Maureen, Newcastle
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 3:41PM
“Percy Pigs are delicious pink raspberry flavoured sweets sold in M&S. You'd struggle to find such a quality product in a shop like Home Bargains Jim that's for sure!”
by Jim, stoke
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 3:32PM
“Whats a percy pi Maureen? Sounds a bit pervy to me. I'm not bothered about M&S as you can't beat Home Bargains - the best shop in the world!!”