The Marks and Spencer (M&S) store on Oxford Street in Swansea has officially closed after 70 years of operation, a decision that has left many shoppers heartbroken. The store, which opened in 1957, was a staple in the community, and its closure is part of M&S's broader strategy to downsize its full-line store presence across the UK. As the doors shut for the last time, local residents gathered to bid farewell, with some laying flowers in front of the store to commemorate the occasion. Richard Owen, M&S regional manager, stated that the closure was necessary due to the store's underperformance and the need for significant investment in the building. This closure not only impacts the local community but also results in the loss of up to 92 jobs. Following the Swansea closure, M&S is also set to shut its store at Friars Walk Shopping Centre in Newport by June 2026, reducing its number of stores in Wales to just 20, despite a presence in the country for over 130 years.