The plans embody an funding of £15m to almost double its retailer at Union Sq. in Aberdeen, creating a brand new flagship dwelling within the metropolis with the addition of recent foodhall and prolonged clothes and homeware departments.
However whereas this may be seen as constructive for individuals who store and work on this M&S retailer, the information for considered one of its sister retailers within the Granite Metropolis was solely completely different. In the direction of the underside finish of a press launch heralding its retailer funding, M&S introduced that when the challenge to revamp its Union Sq. outlet completes within the spring of 2025, its retailer on St Nicholas Avenue – a fixture within the metropolis since 1944 – will probably be closing down.
READ MORE: Marks & Spencer to shut main retailer in Aberdeen metropolis centre
On the employment entrance, many of the jobs at St Nicholas Avenue will probably be maintained. M&S stated the 155 individuals who work completely on the store will probably be provided the prospect to switch to Union Sq. or to different shops close by, which is presumably welcome information. However the future would seem like loads much less sure for the 29 employees who work on contracts there. These folks will rightly be apprehensive concerning the future.
Past such justifiable considerations, there are more likely to be folks in Aberdeen who really feel saddened on the lack of one other main division retailer within the metropolis centre, following the lack of Debenhams, John Lewis, Esslemont & Macintosh, and Home of Fraser over time.
The decline of Union Avenue has been a supply of disappointment to Aberdonians over current years and whereas extra just lately there have been laudable makes an attempt to revive its fortunes, the lack of Marks & Spencer from St Nicholas Avenue is a major blow to these hoping for brighter days for the well-known thoroughfare.
