British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has disclosed plans to invest in 12 new food stores, which will be established on sites previously occupied by Homebase across England, creating more than 550 jobs.
Some of these stores will offer trading spaces of over 20,000ft2.
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The move is part of the company’s store rotation and renewable programme, which aims to ensure that its outlets are suitably located and appropriately sized.
The strategy for this programme includes the creation of 420 larger and modernised food stores, alongside a more efficient network of 180 full line stores.
By the fiscal year 2027/28, M&S anticipates that half of its store estate will have transitioned to this updated format.
In the previous year, the retailer launched six food stores and two full line stores while refurbishing nine existing locations.
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By GlobalDataThe new food stores, averaging approximately 15,000ft2, have allowed more customers access to a comprehensive product range.
These stores saw food sales exceed expectations by around 20%, the retailer said.
Additionally, two new full line stores in Dundee and Washington Galleries commenced operations with sales in fashion, home & beauty departments surpassing projections by 15%.
The Fosse Park store also underwent expansion, resulting in a 20% increase in fashion, home & beauty sales compared to the prior year.
For the current year, M&S has outlined plans to open 10 food stores and two full line stores, while several other locations will be upgraded to reflect the renewal format.
All these plans are contingent upon obtaining planning permission.
M&S’ new food stores will incorporate contemporary in-store designs including market-style presentations for fruit and vegetables, larger bakeries section and Click & Collect counters for orders from M&S.com.
Renovated M&S stores will feature amenities such as larger parking areas, farm to foodhall products at entrances, new coffee bakeries, broader aisles, and extended frozen sections.
These new outlets will also support M&S’s Plan A commitments by employing advanced technology to enhance energy efficiency through LED lighting and natural refrigerant systems for cooling.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin said: “Investing in new and renewed stores is one of our key transformation priorities. Securing these highly desirable sites in priority locations will accelerate this strategy, drive further growth in our M&S food business and most importantly give our customers the best possible M&S shopping experience.”
Recently, M&S confirmed that cyberattack affecting its operations for over three weeks resulted in a data breach.
The company reassured customers that “useable” payment details and account passwords remained secure.
