The Range is closing 61,000 sq ft superstore for good – but it’s making way for a flagship Marks & Spencer

A POPULAR branch of The Range is set to close its doors to make way for a new Marks & Spencer store. The bargain homeware giant will be forced to shut down under new proposals that will see the iconic retailer take its place. A popular branch of The Range is set to be shut down Credit: Alamy Stock Photo The home and gardening shop will be replaced by a new M&S Credit: Alamy The new M&S superstore will arrive in London‘s South Ruislip, after Hillingdon Council approved plans for The Range to be ousted. South Ruislip has gone without an M&S since its High Street branch closed down back in 2018. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Now, The Range in Victoria Retail Park will be transformed into an M&S supermarket, with the shop’s employees set to lose jobs. The 61,000 square ft site will boast a sprawling Foodhall, while the rest of the space will stock clothes, homeware, beauty and lifestyle products. Despite the many South Ruislip residents in favour of the switch, some have hit back at the plans and raised concerns over job losses. Responding to 87 letters of objection, the council explained that the loss of employment will be mitigated by the 123 new jobs set to be created by the arrival of the M&S. While it’s unknown how many The Range employees will be let go, M&S has vowed to hire locally for the new branch and the council has highlighted the new store’s “employment-generating retail use”. Other locals are thrilled about the new development, which is set to diversify the area’s shopping choices. Most read in Money The plans have also been praised for providing a more convenient option for groceries for many who currently have to travel further to reach a supermarket. It’s unknown when the M&S store will be ready to open its doors to the public, however it’s thought that it will be open seven days a week and offer 332 parking spaces. The takeover will also see six new trolley bays installed, as well as 34 secure cycle parking spaces. The Sun has contacted The Range for more information. Comment now