M&S: Worcester shoppers react to the news about M&S' future

Marks and Spencer (M&S) announced they will be closing one in four of its biggest department stores across the UK.

M&S stores selling clothes and home goods are likely to close to make way for 100 new Simply Food outlets on the High Street.

The company has not yet announced which stores will be closing.

However, it puts a question mark over the future of Worcester's store which is one of the most prominent shops on the High Street.

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Lynn Holder, who was visiting the city centre, said: "M&S belongs on the High Street and it would be a great shame. 

Lynn Holder and Jane Stanley outside M&S Picture:Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"The problem with online is you can't touch and feel the material to see what it is like. 

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"If M&S were to shut, it would be a great shame, but I am of an age who would say that." 

Ken Allen, who was another shopper visiting the city centre, said: "The city centre would be dead if they closed it. 

But he believed the city's M&S branch would not be one facing the chop saying: "This one won't close, it's the best."

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Ken Allen claims Worcester's M&S to be 'the best one'Picture: Newsquest (Image: Picture: Newsquest)

Stella Kelley said: "I go to Marks and Spencer but it would be another hit for the High Street, we've lost Debenhams and Woolworths. 

"My generation doesn't use the internet, I like to go into the store and shop. 

"Shopping online might be quicker, but I like to look in the store and get a feel for the quality and have a look at different things. 

Ms Kelley said she would be devastated if M&S closed. 

Marks and Spencer in Worcester Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

She said: "We're constantly being encouraged to come to the city centre but if shops keep closing we won't have a reason to. 

"If the store moved online, I would struggle to use it, well I would not use it because I don't use the internet. 

"You can get a better feel for clothes in the store."

Louise Vine said: "I go to M&S to find things for my dad."

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Marks and Spencer in Worcester Picture: Newsquest (Image: Picture: Newsquest)

Florina Vlad, 24, said: "If M&S closed, it would be a shame, people love M&S. 

"I prefer going to the store, but I shop online too. 

"The quality is very high in the food, clothes - in everything, it's very good. 

"A lot of people go to M&S, I go to the cafe with my kid." 

Miss Vlad said the store was quite busy for a weekday afternoon. 

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John Dare and Steve Whyley were sat outside M&S Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

John Dare said the city centre would take a big hit if M&S was to close.

"The city is quite vibrant and busy at the moment because of all the stores." 

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