Another huge unit in Broadmead is now empty after M&S vacated its long-established flagship Bristol store after decades of service.
The branch closed its doors for the final time on Saturday (January 8) and already looks almost unrecognisable, after the branding was stripped from its frontage just hours later.
Its closure is part of a wider UK property reshape by the retailer, which has directed Bristol shoppers to its out-of-town Cribbs Causeway and Longwell Green branches instead.
READ MORE: Broadmead shoppers face even more toilet misery now that M&S has closed
While some blame the shift to online shopping for the demise of so many retailers, including the nearby Debenhams that closed last year, others have pointed the finger elsewhere.
Kevin Hill was among the readers who wrote a letter to the Bristol Post about the closure of M&S, predicting that it would be "the end of Broadmead".
He wrote: "I am surprised they lasted this long with the way this council and previous administrations pushed the bike revolution by effectively banishing cars from the centre.
"So here we are in 2022 and the bike revolution is finished. We have buses but no drivers, and the car owners have found free parking and undercover shopping outside of Bristol.
"Good work South Gloucestershire Council for the Mall and countless other developments."
He suggested the difference is that the latter is a Conservative administration rather than Labour like Bristol City Council, and "wants to make money and not lose eye-watering sums".
In November the manager of the Bristol Shopping Quarter told people to "not give up on Broadmead" just because of the department stores' closures.
Vivienne Kennedy, manager of Broadmead Bristol BID, said at the time: "We’re trying to remind people that we have over 100 independent retailers in the shopping quarter alongside the national chains. It’s a very mixed offer and we have lots of great cafes, too.
“Obviously we’ve had businesses closing but I doubt there’s any city or town that hasn’t seen that but then there hasn't been a single month without a new store opening."
She also commented on the new Clean Air Zone in Bristol, stating: "There’s no doubt the Clean Air Zone policy will have some impact on people driving to us, but hopefully not too many.
“But then we’re very accessible by bus, train, bike, foot and scooter, and there are always car park offers for shoppers.
“Some people will be upset by the Clean Air Zone and shop elsewhere, but it might encourage people to use public transport or to walk and cycle."
What do you think? Sign in and join the conversations in the comments below
.jpg?w=600)
