M&S expands search for new sites as it looks to double size of food business

Marks & Spencer has expanded its search for new properties as the retailer aims to double the size of its food business.

The retailer has launched a list of 500 new target locations across the UK it is considering for new and renewed food stores.

M&S is looking for highly visible and accessible sites across the UK that are capable of delivering trading space of 18,000 sq ft. Within the M25, the retailer is targeting prominent sites in all areas that benefit from strong public transport links, steady footfall throughout the week, and are capable of delivering M&S food halls with trading space of between 6,000 sq ft and 18,000 sq ft.

This comes as M&S prepares to open 20 new or renewed stores between November and March.

All of these stores will be in M&S’s new renewal format, which offers an extended range of M&S Food, wider aisles, and larger car parks.

Target locations include areas where there is not yet an M&S store such as Hove, Marlborough and Wallingford.

Alex Freudmann managing director of M&S Food said: “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth. With more than twenty stores opening or modernised before the end of the financial year, we are moving faster. 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.”

A property brochure with a full list of target locations can be found here.