M&S has a plan to expand its store presence by targeting 500 potential locations for future openings. Last year, the supermarket announced intentions to launch or renovate 20 M&S stores, generating 800 job opportunities. New stores in Northwich, Abingdon, and Stonehaven are set to open soon, while Farnham, Northampton, and Godalming are expected to welcome customers in 2026.
Additionally, M&S has already introduced new stores in Cannock and Bath and aims to venture into new areas like Hove, Marlborough, and Wallingford. The retailer is seeking sites capable of accommodating trading spaces of 18,000sqft (25,000sqft gross) across the UK.
Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, expressed confidence in the brand’s performance, with plans to expand into various locations in the UK. The company is focused on providing the best shopping experience for its customers by strategically placing large M&S Food stores in suitable areas.
Following a successful Christmas period where M&S experienced a surge in foot traffic, especially in food sales, the fashion, home, and beauty division faced a slight decline. The retailer attributed some of the sales challenges to reduced high street footfall and ongoing impacts from a cyber attack that disrupted its operations.
Looking ahead, M&S aims to adapt to the changing consumer landscape by reshaping its business model for growth, including store transformations and cost reductions.