M&S has disclosed a list of 500 potential locations for future store openings. In a recent update, the supermarket announced plans to launch or renovate 20 M&S stores, generating 800 job opportunities. New sites in Northwich, Abingdon, and Stonehaven are confirmed to open soon.
Additionally, stores in Farnham, Northampton, and Godalming are projected to open in 2026. The Godalming branch will be M&S’ largest standalone food store. M&S aims to expand into new areas like Hove, Marlborough, and Wallingford where it currently has no presence.
M&S is seeking sites nationwide with a trading space capacity of 18,000sqft (25,000sqft gross). Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, expressed confidence in exploring more locations across the UK to enhance the shopping experience for customers.
Following a successful holiday season, M&S reported a 5.6% growth in food sales but a 2.9% decline in fashion, home, and beauty sales. The company attributed the decrease in-store spending to reduced foot traffic on high streets and the aftermath of a cyber attack impacting its operations and profits.
Despite challenges, M&S plans to optimize its business strategy, focusing on store transformations and cost reduction to navigate the evolving consumer landscape.