M&S to close two major distribution centres, putting 250 jobs at risk
Marks & Spencer has announced the closure of two of its major clothing distribution centres in the Midlands, putting 250 employees at risk of loosing theirs jobs.
Plans for site closures will take place next year in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire and Thorncliffe in Sheffield. The Long Eaton warehouse is operated by DHL, which employs over 300 warehouse employees and supervisory staff. The closure is expected to take place in Spring 2021.
The second warehouse is managed XPO, and is home to over 360 employees.
The British retailer and homewear brand decided to implement the closure after examining its current logistics strategy and operations. The closure is part of Marks and Spencer's plans to rethink how its warehouses are run in order to reduce costs and increase stock availability. Stock problems has become a major issue for the retailer, as the menswear department under performed during the Christmas period due to buying errors.
Marks and Spencer confessed it had over purchased men’s skinny and slim-fit men’s trousers, and not enough regular fits. Internal shifts and departures have also taken place due to buying errors, including the departure of apparel boss Jill McDonald after a huge jeans promotion went wrong due to buyers failing to secure the right amount of stock.
The leading British retailer also announced former Miss Selfridge director Alex Dimitriu as its new Head of Menswear Buying.