Marks and Spencer has announced it will close a busy city centre store as part of branch closures across the UK.

M&S announced earlier in the year that it would be shutting its Sunderland store, but did not confirm a date for the closure, but now it has been revealed that the store on High Street West will close on May 25.

Following the closure, shoppers have taken to Facebook to voice their anger over the loss of what appears to be a much-loved store.

One person said: “This is absolutely devastating news.”

Another added: “Unbelievable. M&S have abandoned their loyal customers in Sunderland, disgraceful.”

While a third commented: “What a joke our town is.”

They said they struggled to understand the reason for the closure with M&S describing it as a “lower productivity” store.

One person added: “The food hall is always busy.”

Another agreed and said: “I go twice a week and it is always busy.”

But the retailer has announced it will also be opening some new stores including one in nearby Washington, which will open on May 30.

M&S shut down locations in Manchester, Swindon and Birmingham between August and November last year.

In addition to this, 40 M&S clothing stores closed between November 2016 and July 2023.

Recently it announced the closure of its Walworth store in South London, and its home store in Kingditch Trading Estate in Tewkesbury, Cheltenham.