Marks & Spencer has delivered a definitive response to persistent calls from shoppers and local businesses for its return to Sutton Coldfield's town centre, stating it has 'no plans' to reopen a store there.
An Anchor Store Lost
The retail giant was a cornerstone of the Gracechurch Centre for decades before shutting its full-line store, which offered clothing, homeware, and a large foodhall, on July 13, 2019. The closure marked the end of an era for the town, with M&S citing changing shopping habits as the reason for the difficult decision.
A small concession offering a limited range of M&S food opened within the local WH Smith (now TG Jones) shortly after, but this too closed in September 2025, almost exactly six years after it launched. This left the brand represented only at its out-of-town Foodhalls at Princess Alice Retail Park and Mulberry Walk in Mere Green.
Community Pleas Fall on Deaf Ears
The desire for M&S to come back, however, has remained fervent. Michelle Baker, manager of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), which represents over 300 firms, revealed that the question of a return is one of the 'most common questions' she encounters.
Acting on this volume of requests, Mrs Baker took the community's case directly to the retailer. She emphasised how deeply the store was valued and how much it is missed, arguing that town centres must be proactive in making their case to major brands.
"Strong town centres don’t happen by accident — they are shaped by intent, ambition and leadership," Mrs Baker stated.
M&S Focuses on Retail Parks and Major Cities
In its response, M&S made its current strategy clear. The company said its focus is on locations with 'good car parking' and high accessibility, pointing to its sites at Cannock and Tamworth's Ventura Park as examples of this model.
The retailer indicated it would only consider town or city centre locations that are 'urban centres with gravity and population density', such as Birmingham's Bullring or a major shopping centre in Bristol. Sutton Coldfield, it seems, does not currently fit this criteria.
The firm confirmed it is continuing to invest heavily in both its new store formats and its online operations, where a significant portion of customer spending now occurs.
A New Arrival for the Gracechurch Centre
While M&S will not be making a comeback, the Gracechurch Centre is preparing to welcome a new anchor tenant. Australian department store Harvey Norman is set to open in the first half of 2026, offering a fresh retail draw for the town centre.
This development underscores the ongoing evolution of the high street, as town centres like Sutton Coldfield adapt to the shifting retail landscape and seek new ways to remain vibrant and commercially successful destinations.
