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Marks & Spencer Plans Major UK Food Store Expansion, Targeting 500 New Locations

Prime Highlight

  1. M&S is seeking up to 500 new store locationsto expand its food retail business across the UK and reach more customers.
  2. The retailer aims to create a mix of 180 mixed stores and around 420 food-only outlets, focusing on larger stores with improved layouts and facilities.

Key Facts

  1. 20 new or renewed storeswill open between November and March, creating more than 800 jobs, with some conversions from former Homebase units.
  2. Targeted retail spaces are 10,000–18,000 sq. ftin central areas with strong transport links, supporting weekly shopping and wider food ranges.

Background

Marks & Spencer is planning a major expansion of its food retail business across the UK, as it searches for up to 500 new store locations. The retailer now has about 330 food outlets, but wants to grow this number to reach more customers and support long-term growth.

The company’s strategy is to move towards a store network of 180 mixed stores and around 420 food-only sites. Retail space between 10,000 and 18,000 square feet is being targeted in central areas with strong public transport access.

The expansion plan comes after M&S reported a £324 million loss in the first half of the year following a cyber attack. As part of its retail reshaping, the company recently confirmed the closure of 11 smaller cafes, saying customers prefer a wider food range in those stores.

Despite challenges, the business is boosting investment in its estate. M&S said 20 new or renewed stores will open between November and March, bringing more than 800 new jobs. Many of the new locations will be in the updated renewal format, offering wider aisles, larger car parks, and a full selection of M&S Food products for weekly shopping.

M&S has already acquired 12 former Homebase units, with the first converted location due to open in Cannock before Christmas. It is also looking at new areas such as Hove, Marlborough, and Wallingford, where it does not yet have a presence.

Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said the success of recently opened stores shows strong demand for larger food outlets. He added that the company is “moving faster” to bring the right stores to the right places and deliver a better shopping experience for customers.

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