M&S has unveiled plans for a new superstore in Dundee – with the closure of its existing shop on Murraygate.
The retail giant will shut the high street outlet, along with the foodhall at Gallagher Retail Park, and combine the two for a bigger store elsewhere in the retail park.
Staff at the current stores were informed of the move on Tuesday.
No jobs lost with M&S Dundee plans
M&S says no jobs will be lost with the plans – with workers given the chance to transfer to the new site.
It is understood the new outlet will open at the retail park on East Dock Street by mid-2023, but it has not been confirmed which of the existing units M&S plans to move into.
Shona Lawrie, M&S regional manager, told The Courier it marks a “significant investment” in Dundee.
She said: “We’ll be opening a brilliant new full-range M&S store built to our latest specifications.
“This includes a foodhall with a fresh market feel full of exciting new features that’s 40% bigger than our existing sites.
“By mid-2023, we’ll be closing our current stores in Dundee city centre and The Docks to move to this larger store offering our full clothing and home range and a new-look mezzanine cafe alongside our expanded foodhall.
Shopping habits are changing, and we need to focus our investment on the right stores in the right places
“It will be located on a new site within Gallagher Retail Park where The Docks foodhall currently trades.
“Shopping habits are changing, and we need to focus our investment on the right stores in the right places so we can provide the very best shopping experience for our Dundee customers.”
The Murraygate store has been a fixture of Dundee high street for decades, with M&S opening its first Scottish store in the city in 1918.
Ian Borthwick, a councillor in Dundee since the 1960s until his retirement last month, says the existing store will be a sad loss.
He told The Courier: “Of course it has been there for a very long time, and if this happens it will reduce footfall and have the potential to affect other shops.
“Many shoppers in the Murraygate can use the bus and just walk in. This will make it a lot more difficult.”
The proposals are the latest in a line of out-of-town retail developments in Dundee, including the opening of a new Home Bargains at Myrekirk in August.
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