Marks & Spencer plans an extensive expansion of its food business with the intention of doubling its current size. The supermarket giant is targeting approximately 500 new locations throughout the UK, with a particular focus on London where it aims to establish about 200 stores in zones two and three. These stores are expected to range from 10,000 to 18,000 square feet and ideally have easy access to public transport and nearby parking facilities.
Beyond London, Marks & Spencer will open larger stores accessible from major roads, with a minimum size of 18,000 square feet and a minimum of 100 parking spaces to accommodate the full range of M&S Food products. The company plans to open eight new food-only stores by the end of the year, according to The Times.
Alex Freudmann, the managing director of M&S Food, expressed confidence in the brand’s new store performance, stating that they are now actively exploring additional locations across the UK, from Elgin in Scotland to Exmouth in Devon. With over 20 stores set to open or be revamped by the end of the financial year, Marks & Spencer is accelerating its expansion efforts.
This strategic move follows a significant decline in pre-tax profits reported by Marks & Spencer earlier this year, which fell by 99% to £3.4 million in the six months leading up to September 27. However, the company’s chief executive, Stuart Machin, highlighted the strong sales performance of the food division, indicating a positive trend. Despite challenges faced due to a cyber attack that disrupted operations, M&S is now focused on regaining momentum and strengthening its market position.
Machin emphasized the company’s ambition to increase its market share in the grocery sector, which currently stands at 4%. With numerous food stores in the pipeline already approved for development, Marks & Spencer is poised to expand its presence further. The new stores will feature enhanced amenities such as wider aisles and larger parking areas to cater to the needs of families. It is projected that more than half of these new locations will be refurbished by April 2028.