THREE M&S stores in Sheffield could close as list reveals most at-risk outlets

Three stores in Sheffield have been identified as likely to be axed. Photo: Jonathan Brady / PA

A list of vulnerable stores has been compiled by the Local Data Company - who use various methods to measure the economic health of the nation's high streets - after M&S announced it would close around 60 outlets.

Three stores in Sheffield have been identified as likely to be axed - although LDC's list is unofficial and M&S is yet to name any of the stores to be shut down.

'If one removes the large urban centres such as London, Glasgow and other cities, there are 22 towns where one might question the need for two stores'

The retailer has confirmed it will close 30 of its large stores with another 45 set to be downsized or replaced by small Simply Food outlets.

The closures come as part of an overhaul which will affect around 100 stores as M&S looks to cut back on its clothing and home lines while boosting its Simply Food chain.

The firm also warned of more than 2,100 job losses under plans to axe 53 overseas shops.

According to the Independent, Local Data Company director Matthew Hopkinson said: “There are 35 towns and cities that have more than two M&S stores either on the high street, in a shopping centre or on the edge of town in a retail park.

“If one removes the large urban centres such as London, Glasgow and other cities, there are 22 towns where one might question the need for two stores.”

A spokesman for Marks & Spencer said: “We are very disappointed that anyone would choose to speculate in this way.

“This list is not based on any M&S data and we have not published any locations.

“What we have done is outlined plans to improve our store estate over the next five years which include opening 200 new Food stores and selling Clothing and Home from 60 fewer stores.”

He added that the retailers will not identify which stores will close ‘until the time is right’.