M&S has disclosed a list of 500 potential locations for future store openings. Last year, the supermarket announced plans to launch or refurbish 20 M&S stores, generating 800 job opportunities. New outlets in Northwich, Abingdon, and Stonehaven will open soon.
Additionally, stores in Farnham, Northampton, and Godalming, set to be M&S’ largest standalone food store, are expected to open in 2026. M&S is focusing on expanding into areas without current stores, including Hove, Marlborough, and Wallingford.
M&S is actively seeking sites in the UK with a minimum trading space of 18,000sqft (25,000sqft gross). According to Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, the success of their new food stores has prompted them to explore additional locations nationwide.
Amid a record number of shoppers visiting during the Christmas period, M&S experienced a 5.6% growth in food sales but a 2.9% decline in fashion, home, and beauty sales. The retailer attributed reduced high street footfall and cyber attack disruptions to the varying performance.
Looking forward, M&S aims to restructure for growth in an uncertain consumer environment by renovating stores and cutting costs.