M&S Food – coming to a town near you? Search for seven new sites underway

Antrim, Armagh, Downpatrick, Dungannon, Magherafelt, Newtownards and Carrickfergus have been identified by Marks & Spencers as seven towns where they’d like to set up shop. M&S said it’s seeking out of town, or edge of town sites to set up food outlets of at least 15,000 sq ft in seven areas according to a document published by property firm CBRE.

The seven towns were among a long list of areas across the UK where M&S believes there is a market for its food offering, with commercial property company CBRE acting for M&S in the search.

M&S wants prominent sites on major roads with dedicated car parking, adding that it will consider moving into existing retail units, according the the CBRE report. It’s a vote of confidence in the Northern Ireland market, despite its chairman Archie Norman warning that customers in Northern Ireland face a “substantial reduction in food supply” when the grace period for the Brexit protocol ends.