New department store for South Shields as Boyes moves into former Marks and Spencer building

A new department store is on its way to South Shields - and bringing new job opportunities with it.
Former Marks & Spencer store, King Street, South Shields.Former Marks & Spencer store, King Street, South Shields.
Former Marks & Spencer store, King Street, South Shields.

Boyes has taken over the former Marks and Spencer’s site in King Street which has lain dormant for the past four years.

Workmen are already on the site making what the company say are “substantial” changes to inside the building.

Former Marks and Spencer, King Street South ShieldsFormer Marks and Spencer, King Street South Shields
Former Marks and Spencer, King Street South Shields
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It hopes to open the doors to the new store by the summer, creating between 20-25 part-time and two full-time roles in the process.

The company, W Boyes and Co Ltd, operate over 50 stores throughout Yorkshire, the North East, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

They sell a range of products from home and gardening equipment and furniture, cleaning products, health and beauty, clothing and footwear and pet supplies.

Marketing Director for Boyes. Robert Van der Heijden said: “The rumours are true, we are taking over the old Marks and Spencer’s Store.

Former Marks and Spencer, King Street South ShieldsFormer Marks and Spencer, King Street South Shields
Former Marks and Spencer, King Street South Shields
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“We have already started the refurbishment inside the building and are thrilled and excited to be opening another new store.

“When completed, inside is going to be so different as the refurbishment we are undertaking within the store is substantial.

“Due to that work, as yet, we don’t have any firm dates of opening but hope to be open by the summer. However, this will all depend on the work being done inside and how that is devloping.

“With the recent news of other stores closing, the fact we are opening a new store is not only good news for us, but also good news for South Shields.

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“We are all really excited and looking forward to getting the new store open.”

Coun John Anglin, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy at South Tyneside Council, said: “This is fantastic news and we look forward to welcoming Boyes to South Shields.

“The store will be a great addition to King Street and will enhance the town centre’s retail offer.

“Our 365 masterplan is all about providing the right infrastructure and conditions to give the private sector the confidence to invest and I’m delighted to see that that is starting to happen.”

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Marks and Spencer closed its doors for the final time on March 29, 2014 bringing an end to 80 years of trading on King Street.

It’s 37 staff were relocated to its outlet store in North Tyneside’s Silverlink retail park.