Marks & Spencer (M&S) is set to make significant investments in its food halls and full-line stores during the current financial year. The retail giant plans to open at least two new food halls and renovate up to 12 existing branches as part of its strategy to offer “bigger, better stores.”
Expanding and Upgrading Stores
M&S aims to open a total of four new full-line stores and nine new food halls across the UK, alongside 25 store renewals. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing its retail footprint and customer experience.
In London, new food halls are scheduled to open in Sidcup (southeast London) and Friern Barnet (north London). Meanwhile, branches slated for renewal include Chancery Lane, Teddington, Blackheath, and Islington. The revamped stores will feature larger in-store bakeries and upgraded click-and-collect facilities, catering to the 63% of M&S customers who prefer to collect their online orders in-store.
Strategic Investment in London
Sacha Berendji, M&S Operations Director, emphasized the importance of expanding the company’s presence in London. “Expanding our presence in London is a key part of our growth strategy – our market share in food is higher here than in any region in England, and there is plenty of untapped potential,” Berendji stated.
He also highlighted the success of the new and renewed stores, which are performing ahead of forecasts and attracting new customers. This success has bolstered M&S’s confidence to accelerate its store rotation strategy, particularly in the capital.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
M&S’s investment is part of a broader effort to showcase the best of M&S quality, value, and innovation. The multimillion-pound investment in new and existing stores is designed to meet evolving customer needs and preferences, ensuring that M&S continues to deliver a superior shopping experience.
Future Outlook
Marks & Spencer’s ambitious plans to expand and renovate its stores signify a robust growth strategy aimed at increasing market share and enhancing customer satisfaction. With a focus on strategic locations and customer-centric features, M&S is poised to strengthen its position in the competitive retail market.