Credit: M&S Media Library
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As Christmas approaches, the shopping bug has really taken over, and M&S is very much part of the festivities in the UK. Now, M&S has launched a new list of 500 target locations it is considering for new and renewed Food stores as it aims to double the size of its Food business, including 10 in Greater Manchester.
With 20 stores opening or renewing before the end of the financial year, M&S is picking up the pace on renewing in its store estate. As the legendary British company reshapes for growth, it is opening stores with the right space in the right places as it looks to double the size of its food business and modernise its store estate.
Credit: M&S Media Library
Following the excellent performance of the new M&S Food stores opened in the last three years, M&S is now expanding the number of locations in its search for sites, including areas where there is not yet an M&S store.
What would the new M&S Food stores include?
All of these stores 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.
M&S is now searching for sites in 500 potential locations to bring its tried and tested format for stores to modernise in existing markets and bring Food stores to new areas. Over half of the stores across the M&S estate, including convenience stores, are expected to be in the renewal format by April 2028.
New M&S Food store requirements 
Credit: M&S Media Library
So, what exactly is needed to make the perfect M&S Food store?
M&S is looking for highly visible and accessible sites across the UK that are capable of delivering trading space of 18,000sqft (25,000sqft gross). Within the M25, M&S 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.
Potential North West & North Wales M&S Food store locations
- Abergele
- Altrincham
- Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Bamber Bridge / Clayton
- Barrow
- Bromborough
- Burnley
- Buxton
- Carlisle
- Chorley
- Clitheroe
- Didsbury
- Frodsham
- Garstang
- Glossop
- Hale Barnes
- Knutsford
- Lancaster
- Leigh
- Lytham
Credit: M&S Media Library
- Market Drayton
- Marple
- Menai / Bangor
- Middlewich
- Mold
- North East Bolton
- Northwich
- Oldham
- Ormskirk
- Oswestry
- Penrith
- Prescot
- Prestwich
- Rawtenstall
- Stockton Heath
- Ulverston
- Upton
- West Cheadle
- Widnes
- Workington
Alex Freudmann Managing Director, 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.”