FWIW - It's all very good "closing Stores" ( which implies they are unprofitable for some reason that wasn't present when they were opened )..... but the word on the street is that their food is overpriced and their clothing is neither fashionable nor good-value.
Combine these and investors might think Management needs to look itself in the mirror "What am I contributing that will correct this?" Fact is that M&S has relied on "Food" to bolster the clothing, which appears not to satisfy many women ( typically 90% of clothing sales). Closing shops will reduce Rents/Wages but it loses the contact with CUSTOMERS - as I suspect ( but cannot know), most like to feel/touch before buying . . . and are not really "On-Line Buyers" - I wonder how many stores assistants have been training their customers so they could use the Internet? I suspect none - as M&S would fear Folks will go for apparent "better-Value" elsewhere. sp=286.
Oh Deary....
My wife says that the Bluewater store - probably one of their biggest , has nothing of interest in the women's clothing department - I must admit (to my male eye) it does look pretty unappealing.