M&S closes Ards store
By Victoria O'Hara
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Staff at a Marks and Spencer store in Co Down were today among 1,230 workers across the UK informed that they were losing their jobs.
The 125-year-old company — which employs around 70,000 staff in around 520 UK stores — said it plans to close 27 branches with the loss of up to 780 jobs. Up to 450 more will go from its head office.
Of the stores to close, 25 are under-performing Simply Food outlets, and two are small main chain stores selling both food and clothes.
The Newtownards Simply Food store based in Ards Shopping Centre is the only branch in the province to be earmarked for closure at this time.
The announcement comes as the ailing High Street retailer unveiled its worst sales figures for almost a decade with UK like-for-like sales tumbling 7.1% in the 13 weeks to December 27 — its biggest sales collapse since July-September 1999 — despite heavy price-cutting in the run-up to Christmas.
M&S currently has 21 stores in Northern Ireland with around 2,700 employees.
An official announcement on how the drastic plans will affect M&S staff across the province was made today after staff are informed.
It is believed the announcement was delayed to give bosses time to contact staff not in work.
However, the news that only one store in Northern Ireland is to go comes as relief to thousands of staff at the remaining 20 branches.
One worker said: “It is just relief to find out we are staying open.
“After reading about it yesterday that so many jobs were to go we really didn’t know what was going to happen.�
The cost-saving drive also involves changes to M&S's final salary pension scheme — by capping employees' annual increases in pensionable pay — and altering early retirement benefits for those who joined the scheme before 1996.
M&S hopes to cut costs by up to £200m through the moves.
Executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose said: “We are aware that the proposed changes set out will be difficult for those members of staff impacted.
“However, given that 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.�
The cuts came as M&S said UK like-for-like food sales fell 5.2% over the period, while general merchandise — which includes clothing — was down 8.9%.
However Marks and Spencer also revealed that online sales were up 29% and international sales up 26.9%.
M&S closes Ards store
Moderator: Ronski
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Ronski
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M&S closes Ards store
"Life isn't like a bowl of cherries or peaches..it's more like a jar of jalapeno's.
What you do today,might burn your arse tomorrow.
What you do today,might burn your arse tomorrow.
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Ronski
- Ards Forum Reporter and Backbone
- Posts: 458
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 1:39 pm
- Location: RUA REIDH LIGHTHOUSE
Marks & Spencer axes 37 jobs as Newtownards store closure is announced
By Victoria O’Hara
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Iconic retailer Marks & Spencer yesterday became another casualty of the economic gloom which is spreading throughout the UK High Street after revealing it is set to axe more than 1,000 jobs.
The retail giant said 1,230 jobs across UK stores — including 37 in Northern Ireland — will go after it unveiled its worst sales figures for almost a decade.
Of the stores to close, 25 are under-performing Simply Food outlets, and two are small main chain stores selling both food and clothes.
A list of the 27 branches set to be axed was released yesterday.
The Newtownards Simply Food store, based in Ards Shopping Centre, is the only store in the province to be earmarked for closure at this time.
The announcement comes as the ailing High Street retailer revealed its like-for-like sales tumbling 7.1% in the 13 weeks to December 27 — its biggest sales collapse since July-September 1999 — despite heavy price-cutting in the run-up to Christmas.
M&S currently has 21 stores in Northern Ireland with around 2,700 employees.
Sir Stuart Rose, chairman of M&S, said: “We believe we have looked at every available option and opportunity to keep the Newtownards store open, but in this tough trading environment it is no longer commercially viable.
“We are very sadly putting forward this proposal to close the store and will listen carefully to any suggestions employees have for alternatives.
“We have a great team here and I would like to thank them for their commitment to the store and for their hard work delivering excellent service to our customers.
“If this proposed closure goes ahead, we hope our valued customers will continue to shop with M&S at one of our alternative stores such as Bangor or Belfast, which also offer a wide variety of quality M&S products.�
A period of consultation will start with the store’s 37 employees.
Sir Stuart added: “In the event of closure, employees will be offered appropriate help from M&S to find alternative employment in the local area.�
Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy said the planned closure of the Marks and Spencer store in Newtownards will hit the town hard. He said: “This comes at a time when local people are facing severe financial difficulty, with living costs at a very high level.
“These revelations come following the recent loss of 29 other jobs in the town, with the closure of the local Woolworths store.�
He added: “It is a wake up call for the Department of Environment to make a positive decision on the Castlebawn planning application, which could provide a retail and employment boost.�
The warning signs for M&S appeared in December when the store held two discount days.
Mixed fortunes of M&S
High street stalwart Marks & Spencer has seen mixed fortunes over the years.
Here is a timeline of its ups and downs in the last decade.
1998 - Despite a drop in share price, Marks reports profits of £1.1 billion for 1997/98. This is the last time the figure will top £1 billion for a decade.
1999 - online shopping is made available for the first time. In February, Peter Salsbury replaces Richard Greenbury as chief executive. Under his leadership, plans are forged to shed 31 of the company’s top managers in a bid to save millions of pounds.
2000 - Marks sees another change at the helm as Luc Vandeveld becomes chairman and then in October replaces Mr Salsbury as chief executive. Autograph, its own range of designer wear for women, is unveiled to try to modernise the retailer’s image.
2001 - The chain cuts more than 3,000 jobs in Europe. Profits are down to £481 million.
2002 - Roger Holmes is appointed chief executive. Marks becomes the first retailer to only use free range eggs in all its food products.
2003 - New initiatives to lure in shoppers include the Limited Collection for Women and the &more combined loyalty and credit card.
2004 - In May, Stuart Rose is appointed chief executive as the chain fights off a takeover bid from Topshop rival Philip Green. Hopes are high that Rose can boost the firm’s performance.
2005 - It emerges in May that Marks & Spencer’s profits fell by nearly a fifth in 2004.
2006 - Former chief economic adviser and permanent secretary to the Treasury Lord (Terry) Burns becomes chairman.
2007 - In January, staff pocket a £56 million windfall after benefiting from a surge in the retailer’s share price.
Four months later the chain’s profits hit nearly £1 billion for the first time in 10 years. The boost, with profits up by more than a quarter on the previous year, is credited to high profile adverts featuring Twiggy and Mylene Klass.
In the same year the chain also moves to capitalise on greater environmental awareness with Plan A, its scheme to become more eco-friendly.
The plan is followed up with schoolwear made from recycled plastic bottles and three "eco-stores" in Bournemouth, Pollok and Galashiels. In 2008, a 5p charge for plastic bags is introduced.
2008 - Mr Rose becomes chairman and chief executive. In May it is announced that profits for the previous year topped £1 billion, but the success is marred because most staff will lose out on their bonuses after failing to reach targets.
Later in the year it is revealed that profits for 2008 slumped by 34% in the six months to September.
2009 - It is reported by The Times newspaper that Marks & Spencer will announce job cuts tomorrow. These include 1,000 shop floor positions and several hundred more support roles.
By Victoria O’Hara
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Iconic retailer Marks & Spencer yesterday became another casualty of the economic gloom which is spreading throughout the UK High Street after revealing it is set to axe more than 1,000 jobs.
The retail giant said 1,230 jobs across UK stores — including 37 in Northern Ireland — will go after it unveiled its worst sales figures for almost a decade.
Of the stores to close, 25 are under-performing Simply Food outlets, and two are small main chain stores selling both food and clothes.
A list of the 27 branches set to be axed was released yesterday.
The Newtownards Simply Food store, based in Ards Shopping Centre, is the only store in the province to be earmarked for closure at this time.
The announcement comes as the ailing High Street retailer revealed its like-for-like sales tumbling 7.1% in the 13 weeks to December 27 — its biggest sales collapse since July-September 1999 — despite heavy price-cutting in the run-up to Christmas.
M&S currently has 21 stores in Northern Ireland with around 2,700 employees.
Sir Stuart Rose, chairman of M&S, said: “We believe we have looked at every available option and opportunity to keep the Newtownards store open, but in this tough trading environment it is no longer commercially viable.
“We are very sadly putting forward this proposal to close the store and will listen carefully to any suggestions employees have for alternatives.
“We have a great team here and I would like to thank them for their commitment to the store and for their hard work delivering excellent service to our customers.
“If this proposed closure goes ahead, we hope our valued customers will continue to shop with M&S at one of our alternative stores such as Bangor or Belfast, which also offer a wide variety of quality M&S products.�
A period of consultation will start with the store’s 37 employees.
Sir Stuart added: “In the event of closure, employees will be offered appropriate help from M&S to find alternative employment in the local area.�
Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy said the planned closure of the Marks and Spencer store in Newtownards will hit the town hard. He said: “This comes at a time when local people are facing severe financial difficulty, with living costs at a very high level.
“These revelations come following the recent loss of 29 other jobs in the town, with the closure of the local Woolworths store.�
He added: “It is a wake up call for the Department of Environment to make a positive decision on the Castlebawn planning application, which could provide a retail and employment boost.�
The warning signs for M&S appeared in December when the store held two discount days.
Mixed fortunes of M&S
High street stalwart Marks & Spencer has seen mixed fortunes over the years.
Here is a timeline of its ups and downs in the last decade.
1998 - Despite a drop in share price, Marks reports profits of £1.1 billion for 1997/98. This is the last time the figure will top £1 billion for a decade.
1999 - online shopping is made available for the first time. In February, Peter Salsbury replaces Richard Greenbury as chief executive. Under his leadership, plans are forged to shed 31 of the company’s top managers in a bid to save millions of pounds.
2000 - Marks sees another change at the helm as Luc Vandeveld becomes chairman and then in October replaces Mr Salsbury as chief executive. Autograph, its own range of designer wear for women, is unveiled to try to modernise the retailer’s image.
2001 - The chain cuts more than 3,000 jobs in Europe. Profits are down to £481 million.
2002 - Roger Holmes is appointed chief executive. Marks becomes the first retailer to only use free range eggs in all its food products.
2003 - New initiatives to lure in shoppers include the Limited Collection for Women and the &more combined loyalty and credit card.
2004 - In May, Stuart Rose is appointed chief executive as the chain fights off a takeover bid from Topshop rival Philip Green. Hopes are high that Rose can boost the firm’s performance.
2005 - It emerges in May that Marks & Spencer’s profits fell by nearly a fifth in 2004.
2006 - Former chief economic adviser and permanent secretary to the Treasury Lord (Terry) Burns becomes chairman.
2007 - In January, staff pocket a £56 million windfall after benefiting from a surge in the retailer’s share price.
Four months later the chain’s profits hit nearly £1 billion for the first time in 10 years. The boost, with profits up by more than a quarter on the previous year, is credited to high profile adverts featuring Twiggy and Mylene Klass.
In the same year the chain also moves to capitalise on greater environmental awareness with Plan A, its scheme to become more eco-friendly.
The plan is followed up with schoolwear made from recycled plastic bottles and three "eco-stores" in Bournemouth, Pollok and Galashiels. In 2008, a 5p charge for plastic bags is introduced.
2008 - Mr Rose becomes chairman and chief executive. In May it is announced that profits for the previous year topped £1 billion, but the success is marred because most staff will lose out on their bonuses after failing to reach targets.
Later in the year it is revealed that profits for 2008 slumped by 34% in the six months to September.
2009 - It is reported by The Times newspaper that Marks & Spencer will announce job cuts tomorrow. These include 1,000 shop floor positions and several hundred more support roles.
"Life isn't like a bowl of cherries or peaches..it's more like a jar of jalapeno's.
What you do today,might burn your arse tomorrow.
What you do today,might burn your arse tomorrow.
-
Ronski
- Ards Forum Reporter and Backbone
- Posts: 458
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 1:39 pm
- Location: RUA REIDH LIGHTHOUSE
Councillor concern at M&S closure
By Michael Bashford
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Councillor Kieran McCarthy has expressed concern after Marks and Spencer confirmed it is to close its store in Newtownards.
The closure, which could result in the loss of 37 jobs, follows Marks & Spencer’s decision to axe 1,000 jobs across the UK as a result of current economic difficulties.
The Newtownards Simply Food store, based in Ards Shopping Centre, is the only store in the province to be earmarked for closure at this time.
Mr McCarthy said: “This comes at a time when local people are facing severe financial difficulty, with living costs at a very high level.
“These revelations come following the recent loss of 29 other jobs in the town, with the closure of the local Woolworths store.
“It is a wake-up call for the Department of Environment to make a positive decision on the Castlebawn planning application, which could provide a retail and employment boost.�
Sir Stuart Rose, chairman of Marks and Spencer, said: “We believe we have looked at every available option and opportunity to keep the Newtownards store open, but in this tough trading environment it is no longer commercially viable.
“We are very sadly putting forward this proposal to close the store and will listen carefully to any suggestions employees have for alternatives.
“We have a great team here and I would like to thank them for their commitment to the store and for their hard work delivering excellent service to our customers.
“If this proposed closure goes ahead, we hope our valued customers will continue to shop with M&S at one of our alternative stores such as Bangor or Belfast.�
A period of consultation will start with the store’s 37 employees.
By Michael Bashford
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Councillor Kieran McCarthy has expressed concern after Marks and Spencer confirmed it is to close its store in Newtownards.
The closure, which could result in the loss of 37 jobs, follows Marks & Spencer’s decision to axe 1,000 jobs across the UK as a result of current economic difficulties.
The Newtownards Simply Food store, based in Ards Shopping Centre, is the only store in the province to be earmarked for closure at this time.
Mr McCarthy said: “This comes at a time when local people are facing severe financial difficulty, with living costs at a very high level.
“These revelations come following the recent loss of 29 other jobs in the town, with the closure of the local Woolworths store.
“It is a wake-up call for the Department of Environment to make a positive decision on the Castlebawn planning application, which could provide a retail and employment boost.�
Sir Stuart Rose, chairman of Marks and Spencer, said: “We believe we have looked at every available option and opportunity to keep the Newtownards store open, but in this tough trading environment it is no longer commercially viable.
“We are very sadly putting forward this proposal to close the store and will listen carefully to any suggestions employees have for alternatives.
“We have a great team here and I would like to thank them for their commitment to the store and for their hard work delivering excellent service to our customers.
“If this proposed closure goes ahead, we hope our valued customers will continue to shop with M&S at one of our alternative stores such as Bangor or Belfast.�
A period of consultation will start with the store’s 37 employees.
"Life isn't like a bowl of cherries or peaches..it's more like a jar of jalapeno's.
What you do today,might burn your arse tomorrow.
What you do today,might burn your arse tomorrow.
-
Ronski
- Ards Forum Reporter and Backbone
- Posts: 458
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 1:39 pm
- Location: RUA REIDH LIGHTHOUSE
M&S Ards store closure confirmed
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Marks & Spencer has confirmed that “following a full and thorough consultation process� it is to continue with the proposed closure of the Newtownards Simply Food store.
The company said it had reached an agreement with its employee representative group (BIG) and was now entering into individual consultation with staff to explore redeployment opportunities.
Where redeployment is not available, employees will be made redundant and offered appropriate help from M&S to find alternative employment in the local area, the company said.
Steve Rowe, director of retail at M&S, said: “We have consulted fully with staff at the Newtownards Simply Food store, listening carefully to both their views and suggestions, as well as those of the local community.
“All issues raised throughout the process were fully considered, but as no proposed alternatives to the store closure have been found to be commercially viable, it was necessary to make this difficult decision.�
The Newtownards Simply Food store’s last trading day will be March 19, 2009. During the last week of trading the store will continue to sell all major product lines, though in order to limit wastage, stock will be wound down gradually, particularly on chilled lines.
Mayor of Ards, Councillor Jim Fletcher, described the closure as a “sad day for the shopping centre, for the borough as well as the staff employed at the store�.
Despite the economic gloom across the world, Councillor Fletcher said Ards Borough Council was “very active and speaking to banks to get the cash flow running so businesses can trade�.
“We have been in contact and used the influence we can but its not all doom and gloom. Some bigger firms are still doing well so that is good,� he added.
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Marks & Spencer has confirmed that “following a full and thorough consultation process� it is to continue with the proposed closure of the Newtownards Simply Food store.
The company said it had reached an agreement with its employee representative group (BIG) and was now entering into individual consultation with staff to explore redeployment opportunities.
Where redeployment is not available, employees will be made redundant and offered appropriate help from M&S to find alternative employment in the local area, the company said.
Steve Rowe, director of retail at M&S, said: “We have consulted fully with staff at the Newtownards Simply Food store, listening carefully to both their views and suggestions, as well as those of the local community.
“All issues raised throughout the process were fully considered, but as no proposed alternatives to the store closure have been found to be commercially viable, it was necessary to make this difficult decision.�
The Newtownards Simply Food store’s last trading day will be March 19, 2009. During the last week of trading the store will continue to sell all major product lines, though in order to limit wastage, stock will be wound down gradually, particularly on chilled lines.
Mayor of Ards, Councillor Jim Fletcher, described the closure as a “sad day for the shopping centre, for the borough as well as the staff employed at the store�.
Despite the economic gloom across the world, Councillor Fletcher said Ards Borough Council was “very active and speaking to banks to get the cash flow running so businesses can trade�.
“We have been in contact and used the influence we can but its not all doom and gloom. Some bigger firms are still doing well so that is good,� he added.
"Life isn't like a bowl of cherries or peaches..it's more like a jar of jalapeno's.
What you do today,might burn your arse tomorrow.
What you do today,might burn your arse tomorrow.
-
cyberjack
- Mr Buckfast
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:40 pm
- Location: west winds ( utopia ) .
- Contact:
m&s closing...
[font=Times New Roman] [/font]
Dear hole anyways , WAS ONLY EVER IN IT TWICE ..LOL ...... I DO HOWEVER sympathize with the workers all the same ..
IT'S A SIGN OF THE TIMES !..
almost ALL BUSINESSES ARE FEELING THE PINCH IN THIS ECONOMIC CLIMATE.. I DON'T REALLY BELIEVE THAT :- M&S has been linked inextricably to Zionism.
M&S IS ALLEGED TO support Israel ???.. PROBALLY NOT RELEVENT TO THE NEWTOWNARDS STORE CLOSING ALL THE SAME ?? .. (WOULDN'T BE ME IF I WASN'T BEING CONTROVERSAL..)
... [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKymlRY8FdY[/youtube] !..
Dear hole anyways , WAS ONLY EVER IN IT TWICE ..LOL ...... I DO HOWEVER sympathize with the workers all the same ..
IT'S A SIGN OF THE TIMES !..
almost ALL BUSINESSES ARE FEELING THE PINCH IN THIS ECONOMIC CLIMATE.. I DON'T REALLY BELIEVE THAT :- M&S has been linked inextricably to Zionism.
M&S IS ALLEGED TO support Israel ???.. PROBALLY NOT RELEVENT TO THE NEWTOWNARDS STORE CLOSING ALL THE SAME ?? .. (WOULDN'T BE ME IF I WASN'T BEING CONTROVERSAL..)
... [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKymlRY8FdY[/youtube] !..
.....just because you are paranoid does'nt mean that no-one is following you !...