Marks & Spencer shutting Walsall clearance store

The iconic store chain announced plans today to shut the M&S Outlet at the Boundary Mill superstore complex.

The firm said the closure was because it needed fewer outlet stores due to better stock management.

Bosses have said a consultation is due to be held with the 21 staff employed at the site, in Bentley Mill Way, Bentley.

Positions will be found for them at other stores in the region, the firm added.

The store opened for business in 2003.

The proposal will not affect its town centre store in Park Street.

Marks & Spencer spokesman Berry Yirrel said: "After much consideration we have decided to propose the closure of our Walsall Outlet store.

"Our Outlet clearance business needs fewer stores because our clothing team is managing stock levels better than ever before.

"All 21 colleagues affected by the proposal will be offered positions at other M&S stores if the closure goes ahead."

It said its clothing business is managing its stock levels better before as a result of improved IT systems and better management of stores.

The firm said the advancement meant it was holding on to goods for longer and selling it at a lower price.

This has resulted in fewer products being sent to its M&S Outlet clearance stores and less shops were required.

The group has also dropped its online Outlet web page.

Walsall Council's cabinet holder for economy Councillor Adrian Andrew said assistance has already been offered to the staff by the authority.

He said: "It is disappointing and we have offered help to M&S to help their staff in this difficult time.

"I am sure that Boundary Mill will have viable and exciting plans for the space being vacated."

Shoppers flock to Boundary Mill that lies near junction 10 of the M6 northbound carriageway from miles around.

The move follows the announcement that long-awaited Primark and Co-operative stores will open their doors in the town's Old Square Shopping Centre in August. Staff recruitment is under way for the new developments.

A range of redevelopment is being carried out in the heart of the town with work under way on a new cinema at Walsall Waterfront as part of a £12m leisure complex.

The plan by M&S is part of wider store closure plans by the firm.

Yesterday, it announced its store at The Fort retail park and a Simply Food outlet in Stratford Road in Shirley would close.

No closure dates have yet been set.