M&S expands search for potential new sites as high street giant ramps up store renewal push
M&S reports that it is searching for new, bigger Food store sites as it aims to double the size of this part of its business. 500 areas across the UK are on its new potential location list.
The plan is to modernise and rotate its estate to a footprint of 180 full line stores and 420 Food stores.
M&S is particularly looking for large sites that could stock the full range of M&S Food, growing the target size of its Food stores to an average of 18,000 sqft. This summer, the retailer announced its acquisition of 12 Homebase sites which are set to become some of the largest standalone Food stores in the UK - the first of which is set to open before Christmas in Cannock.
20 new or renewed locations are opening between November and March, creating 800 jobs. The search for new sites includes areas where there is not yet an M&S store such as Hove, Marlborough and Wallingford.
All of these would be in the new renewal format with an extended range of M&S Food, wider aisles for bigger shopping trolleys and larger car parks for more family shoppers.
Alex Freudmann Managing Director, M&S Food, says: “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 20 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.”
M&S is looking for highly visible and accessible sites across the UK that are capable of delivering trading space of 18,000 sqft (25,000 sqft gross). Within the M25, it 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 Foodhalls with trading space of between 6,000–18,000 sqft (10,000-25,000 sqft gross).
A property requirements brochure with full list of locations is now live here.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Physical stores were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
Continue reading…