Shoppers in East Kilbride have been left outraged after Marks and Spencers shut the doors of their store in the town centre for the final time at the weekend.
M&S announced its intention to close the store at the East Kilbride shopping centre in 2018 and began winding down operations two years later with just 67 staff being retained. Locals and MPs campaigned to save the future of the beloved shop and the store did continue to trade
The retail giant has also been involved in a heated legal battle with landlords after a lease was agreed until 2071.
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However, the retailer did eventually reach a mutual agreement with the landlord, which resulted in the town centre shop closing.
The decision has left many shoppers angry as another big name leaves the new town.
One local said: "East Kilbride is getting bigger every day and our town centre is becoming a laughing stock ,we used to have some great shopping, but money grabbing owners have priced the town centre out of the market.
"Only shops left are coffee shops ,and if we don’t shop they will disappear, so sad.
"I’ve lived in East Kilbride all my life and watched it grow, and now we will not have enough shops for the size of the town."
Another commenter agreed: "Lots of issues have destroyed East Kilbride Town centre including covid and awful parking charges. Shame for such a hustle bustle of a place to seeing it now
"Former employees have taken the time to look back at the time they spent on the much loved shop floor.
An ex-M&S worker said: "I spent 40 years of my working life in that store .
"I also had the honour to serve the last ever customer on Saturday . I have the best memories of the best people in the best place to work .
"The town centre is done and was once a busy hub. With a variety of shops to suit everyone.
"East Kilbride is growing daily and yet we haven't got a decent place for shopping.Sad and shameful .
"Not forgetting our wonderful customers some who became good friends."
The retail giants have reassured customers and redirected them to the foodhall at the nearby Kingsgate which is being refurbished.
Scott Munro, regional manager for M&S, said: "Closing this store means we can invest in many of our other 94 stores across Scotland – including the renewal of our nearby East Kilbride Kingsgate foodhall where next month we’re unveiling a new fresh-market design and bigger in-store bakery.”
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