Bournemouth losing one of its biggest stores sent shockwaves across the area when the news was announced back in 2018.
Staff were told in an announcement one weekday morning, with the department chain confirming the news swiftly afterwards.
All 135 colleagues who worked at the store were moved to nearby stores.
Why did it close?
A spokesperson for the company said the closure was part of a 'modernisation' of the UK store estate.
Sacha Berendji, director of Retail at Marks & Spencer, said at the time: “We’re committed to transforming M&S for our customers, colleagues and shareholders. Stores will always be an integral part of our customer experience, alongside M&S.com, but we have to ensure we have the right offer in the right locations.
“We believe these changes are vital for the future of M&S and we will continue to accelerate the programme, taking tough but necessary decisions, as we focus on making M&S special.”
Read more: Poole Beales boss says town could outshine Bournemouth within a year
What date did Marks and Spencer close?
The Commercial Road store closed for the final time on April 14, 2018.
A sign inside the store's entrance read: "Thank you to our very loyal customers. We will miss you. Edwina and the team. 1930-2018."
How did people react?
Bournemouth town centre councillor Bob Chapman, who relaunched the Commercial Road store when he was deputy mayor in 2007, called for M&S - which owns the premises - to be put it on the market as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Tony Brown - chief executive of then-town centre rival Beales - described M&S's departure as a blow to the town.
Read more: Plans for the future of Bournemouth's empty M&S revealed
What's happened in Bournemouth since?
It's been a mixed bag for the town centre since 2018. Covid hit all high streets hard with shops closed and lockdowns on and off over the past two years.
But we have seen the departure of major stores, including Debenhams, H&M, Wilko, Beales back in 2020 and House of Fraser to close in March 2022.
New Look also shut up shop this year, leaving a central site empty - and no word yet on what will be moving in.
What plans have previously been revealed for the site?
In February 2020, THAT Group – the company behind Bournemouth’s Hilton Hotel – announced proposals to build offices and shops at the site.
Town council officials said they were “delighted”.
A spokesperson for THAT Group said the plans represented a significant investment in central Bournemouth, "while safeguarding the long-term future of the iconic building with considered refurbishment and regeneration."
Have any other Marks and Spencer shops closed?
Yes. Sadly Poole's Dolphin Centre store closed in January despite a huge campaign to keep it open.
The largest store in Dorset now is at Castlepoint in Bournemouth.
Remaining Marks and Spencer stores:
1.Blandford Forum Foodhall
2. Weymouth - M&S stores
3. Broadstone Foodhall - M&S stores
4. Ferndown Foodhall - M&S stores
5. Westbourne Simply Food - M&S stores
6. Christchurch Simply Food - M&S stores
7. Castlepoint - M&S stores
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