M&S to open new sites in NI

M&S to open new sites in NI

M&S opens two new sites in Northern Ireland amidst store closures in the rest of the UK

Marks and Spencer has announced the closure of over 100 stores by 2022 as part of a ‘radical transformation’ that will see the retailer overhaul their current business structure.

Plans to open two new sites in Northern Ireland are still going ahead despite store closures elsewhere in the UK. Marks and Spencer who currently operate 18 stores and two outlets in Northern Ireland are due to open a 7,400 sq ft Food Hall in Craigavon featuring a 50 seat cafe. 75 new jobs will also be created in Carrickfergus when the retailer opens a new store later this year.

The retail giant has already closed 21 stores throughout the UK and on May 22 revealed another 14 locations set to cease trading in 2018/19 – none of which are in Northern Ireland.

Last year Marks and Spencer celebrated 50 years trading in Northern Ireland where the opening of new Craigavon store was publicised. Speaking at the event chief executive Steve Rowe said: “I’m delighted to announce that we’ll be opening a brand new Food Hall in Craigavon next year, and with more stores in the pipeline, we hope the next fifty years in Northern Ireland will be every bit as special as the last.”