Economy of Dover

ware unlike the current store which will shut in 2016. It's thought the new M and S will cater for passing Belgium and French tourist trade rather than to the benefit of Dover people and Dover Town Centre. Simmonds Jeweller's will also close their Dover branch after 40 years in January 2014. The M and S general store and Simmonds branch in nearby Deal will remain open.

Independent stores continue to grow in Dover, but the main town centre of Dover remains in decline compared to other towns like Folkestone, Canterbury, Westwood Cross and Ashford who continue to take trade away from Dover and Dover District.

Marks and Spencer Simply food is the only anchor store at the new St James and as of December 2013, the only retailer confirmed for the development. However, there is a big possibility that there will be an exodus of existing chains from Biggin Street and Cannon Street to the new development leaving Dover Town Centre increasingly empty as will be the case with the large M and S store which has been in Dover for over a 100 years