Marks and Spencer is looking to expand its Simply Food store estate in the UK, with the retailer hunting for more than 100 new locations nationwide
Marks and Spencer is set to ramp up its presence on the high street with a bold expansion plan to see more M&S Food stores opening nationwide.
The retail heavyweight has revealed it’s searching for new locations nationwide to roll out additional Simply Food outlets.
Despite plans to reduce its ‘full-line stores’ from 247 to 180 by 2028, M&S wants to increase its food store count from 316 to 420.
The company’s 2024 property brochure outlines specific site requirements, particularly targeting two-acre plots on major roads with convenient access and parking, especially outside London.
Where are the new M&S stores opening?
The brand is eyeing up potential spots in several key English regions, including:
- 97 in North London
- 73 in South London
- 37 in North East England
- 34 in the Midlands and East Anglia
- 49 in the South East
- 26 in the South West and South Wales
A M&S spokesperson said: “Our store rotation programme is about making sure we have the right stores, in the right place, with the right space.
“The performance of our recently relocated and renewed stores gives us the confidence to move faster in our plan. “
This growth strategy comes after M&S shut down multiple stores in locations such as Bradford, Neath, Weymouth, Sunderland, Hexham, East London, Blackburn, and South London. Cities including Leeds and Liverpool have already seen the arrival of brand-new M&S stores.
The nine launches in November included six new shops and three revamped stores. More new food halls are anticipated as part of the 104-store expansion.
