Marks & Spencer to close two clothing distribution centres

Marks & Spencer is to close two clothing distribution centres as part of a wider logistics transformation programme designed to improve stock availability in-store.

The proposed closure of the sites Eaton in Nottinghamshire and Thorncliffe in Sheffield, run by DHL and XPO respectively, are due to close next year placing almost 700 jobs at risk.

Marks & Spencer has previously closed four distribution centres, including Hardwick, near Warrington and Neasden in west London, and from 2021 will serve the country from six centres. 

“We’re in the early stages of changing our supply chain to address flow of product and availability for our customers. As part of this we will no longer be serving our stores from our Thorncliffe and Long Eaton distribution centres,” M&S said in a statement, The Guardian has reported.

“Moving the operations is not a decision we have taken lightly but it is an important change to help us best serve our customers as we move to a nationally connected network. Our logistics partners will be working closely with the colleagues at the sites on what is best for them.”