Marks and Spencer has announced the closure of 11 cafes across the country as part of a restructuring plan affecting its 300-plus food stores. The impacted cafes represent less than 4% of the total locations, including branches in Anlaby, Hull, and Martlesham Heath, Ipswich.
A company spokesperson stated that the changes aim to modernize the food business by offering a wider range of M&S Food products to more customers. As part of this strategy, new coffee shops will be opened, serving delicious food and barista-made fairtrade coffee at select locations, such as the upcoming Bristol Cabot Circus store.
While some smaller food stores will repurpose cafe space, the retailer is also focusing on launching new food halls. Six new food stores are scheduled to open before Christmas, creating 200 new job opportunities. Recently, a market-style Foodhall was introduced on Southampton Street in Covent Garden, with revamped Foodhalls in Temple Fortune and Wimbledon.
Looking ahead, South London is set to welcome two additional Foodhalls in Clapham Common and Fulham Broadway by November. Despite the cafe closures, Marks and Spencer’s transformation strategy continues to evolve with a strong emphasis on expanding its food offerings and enhancing the overall customer experience.