M&S closing several cafes - but no jobs at risk, bosses say

Marks & Spencer is closing 11 cafes in food halls across the UK, shifting focus to more food stores after a severe cyber attack earlier this year.

Marks & Spencer will close 11 cafes, including locations in Cabot Circus, Bristol, as part of a strategic overhaul to enhance food offerings.
The retail chain, which operates 565 stores across the UK, aims to align its services with evolving customer preferences post-cyber attack.
Despite the closure of cafes, M&S management assures that there will be no job losses associated with this transition.
The decision to close cafes comes after a significant cyber incident earlier in 2023, which impacted M&S operations and prompted a reevaluation of their service model.
M&S plans to introduce more food stores in place of the cafes, responding to increased consumer demand for food products.

Why It Matters

The closure of cafes by Marks & Spencer reflects a critical response to changing consumer habits and the fallout from a cyber attack. This decision, while not affecting jobs, indicates a shift in the company's focus towards food retailing, which may enhance its competitive edge. Stakeholders should monitor how these changes influence M&S's market position and customer engagement in the coming months.