FOLLOWING Marks & Spencer (M&S) naming Ilminster as a potential new location for a store, we have asked residents and business owners to share their thoughts and feelings.
M&S revealed a list of 500 locations across the UK where it wants to build new stores, with 12 Somerset locations named, including in Bridgwater, Clevedon, Frome, Ilminster, Portishead, Radstock/Midsomer Norton, Wellington and Weston-super-Mare.
Managing director of M&S Food, Alex Freudmann, said: "The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth.
"With more than twenty stores opening or modernised before the end of the financial year, we are moving faster.
"Our team wants new sites where we could open a large M&S Food store as we deliver on our strategy to bring the right stores to the right places and offer the best shopping experience, range and availability for our customers."
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In response, Ilminster residents and business owners have voiced mixed opinions on the prospect of a new M&S opening in the town.
Many have said they would be delighted for a store to open in the town and bring more foot traffic/jobs; however, there remains contention about where the new store would be.
Some suggestions include near McDonald’s in Southfields Enterprise Park, Jordans Road, with others saying Harts Close near Stonemasons, in one of the empty banks in the town centre or the Horlicks site.
Many readers commented on our post on social media, sharing their views.
Nikki Pitman said on Facebook: “Deffo need an M&S in Ilminster. Love the one in Bridgwater, although a bit out of the way."
Dylan Kenny said: “The Horlicks site fits the bill perfectly. Lots of parking space, on a main road, moments from the A303, on the edge of a growing, picturesque town, with plenty of potential customers from every direction. Probably already at the top of their list.”
Simon King said: “A Marks and Sparks in Ilminster would be an excellent idea. But when I read, they want 150 parking spaces, that rules Ilminster out. Any space big enough for 150 parking spaces will have houses built on it.”
Ray Jones said: “It would have to be a ‘new build’ site in Ilminster since the square footage needed would be the equivalent of several shops, so nothing existing would be viable.”
Some residents have also voiced their concerns, saying they feel an M&S would “damage trade for the fine independent food shops in town” and would be an unnecessary addition.
Simon Conroy said: “Overpriced, overpackaged, nouveau riche, corporate, b***sh*t for singles who can't cook. [Ilminster is a] ‘fair trade town’, leave it on the 303.”
Matt Day said: “It would probably damage trade for the fine independent food shops in town. But it would save driving to Taunton or Yeovil for M&S Food. Could it replace McDonalds?”
We have also spoken to several independent business owners in Ilminster about how they would feel about the addition to the town.
Phil Wyatt, owner of Ilminster Home Hardware, who is also a member of the Ilminster Chamber of Commerce, said: “I think it could be a good thing for Ilminster, but it depends where they are going to put it,
“If it's close to town, then yes, I think it could be very good for Ilminster.”
Evelyn Ashford, owner of Gamesmaster café, said: “I think one of the lovely things about Ilminster is all the independent shops, you’ve got the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, and that’s the charm of it.
“I think the last thing we need is another supermarket, unless it replaces the big Tesco. We want to keep the big brands out and keep Ilminster special. If people want those kinds of shops, they can go to Taunton.”
She added: “I think a lot of people would take a hit from an M&S opening.”
Clinton Bonner said: “If it’s down on the roundabout, I don’t think it would be a great help to Ilminster trade. If it’s in town, then that’s fine, but I don’t know where it’s going to go, as I think that could be a struggle.”
He added: “But it [M&S] is an asset wherever they go, and they do a great job.”
Jainil Brahmbhatt, who works in the Ilminster Premier store, said he does not feel threatened by the prospect and instead feels a new M&S would help increase business.
He said: “I think it’s brilliant because we are a small grocery store and we are the cheapest one by far, we’ve got everything in here. You can’t find anywhere like our store in Ilminster, so we aren’t worried.”
Ben Russell also voiced his support of the idea, he said: "Honestly, I’m buzzing about the idea of a new M&S opening in Ilminster. It would be such a good addition to the town.
"I’m especially excited for their custard creams, the ones wrapped in chocolate are unreal. Fingers crossed it actually happens.
"The town definitely needs a bit of a boost, especially with all the new houses they’re talking about building. And if we are growing as a community, it would be great to see the right infrastructure come with it, too, more support for schools, doctors and dentists. A new M&S would be a brilliant step in the right direction."
We also approached Adam Dance, MP for South Somerset, who said he is “delighted” to hear that M&S has named Ilminster as a town where they would like to open a new store.
He said: “This is very positive news for Ilminster and for our wider area. A new M&S would bring jobs, increase footfall for other local businesses and give residents more choice on their doorstep.
"Ilminster has a strong community and a vibrant mix of brilliant independent shops, which are at the heart of the town’s character. Any new investment must sit alongside continued support for those independents, who play such a vital role in our local economy.
"I will continue to work with local partners to support growth that strengthens our high streets and benefits all businesses and residents.”
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