M&S begins search for 500 potential new sites for Food stores

Marks & Spencer has launched a new list of 500 target locations it is considering for new and renewed Food stores, as it aims to double the size of its Food business.

As it picks up the pace on renewing its store estate, the retailer is searching for large sites that could stock the full range of M&S Food, targeting areas where there isn’t currently an M&S store.

With 20 stores opening or renewing before the end of the financial year, creating 800 new jobs, the retailer said unlocking new sites will help deliver the plan to modernise and rotate the M&S store estate to a footprint of 180 full line stores and 420 Food stores.

All of the new stores would be in the new renewal format, with an extended range of M&S Food, wider aisle for bigger shopping trolleys and larger car parks for more family shoppers. Over the half of the stores across the estate, including convenience stores, are expected to be in the renewal format by April 2028.

Managing Director at M&S Food, Alex Freudmann said: “The strong performance of our new M&S Food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK.

“Our team want new sites where we could open a large M&S Food store as we deliver on our strategy to bring the right stores to the right places and offer the best shopping experience, range and availability for our customers.”