DATES have been confirmed for the opening of the new M&S store in Port Glasgow – and the closure of the Greenock branch.

It will be the end of an era for the Oak Mall M&S when the doors shut for the final time on Wednesday September 6 after 80 years in the town.

The replacement store at the Port retail park is due to open the following morning.

All existing employees at the Oak Mall shop – around 70 in total – will transfer to the new outlet and there could also be some new positions created.

An M&S spokesperson said: “We are continuing to prepare for the relocation of M&S Greenock to Port Glasgow Retail Park and will update the community on the store’s progress and its key features in the coming weeks.

“The team is looking forward to welcoming new and loyal customers through the doors from September.”

The Hamilton Way shop in Greenock first opened its doors on December 4, 1936.

But 12 months ago company bosses announced it would be closing in favour of a switch to the Port retail park.

An M&S sign went up at the new-build unit a fortnight ago as work continues on its construction and fit-out.

Once completed, the outlet will feature a cafe which is expected to create jobs.

An alcohol licence for the outlet – and the shop – was granted in March.
Officials say the move from Greenock to the Port will provide customers with a ‘better shopping experience’.

The company is understood to have a lease for the Oak Mall shop for another decade and bosses are looking for tenants to sub-let the space after they vacate the premises in September.

M&S will soon be joined in Port Glasgow by Next and another Costa Coffee, with the likes of Boots and Poundworld also lined up for the rapidly-growing retail park.