M&S announces flagship opening as 500 store locations unveiled – list | City & Business | Finance

Marks and Spencer has revealed plans for a new flagship store as part of its ambitious expansion strategy. The retail giant is set to open an extensive supermarket at SouthGate, Bath on February 4, as it works towards doubling its overall size.

The high street stalwart has identified 500 potential sites for new and refurbished Food stores, forming part of its bold vision to double the scale of its food operation. By the end of the financial year in April, the company plans to launch or renovate 20 stores, generating 800 new positions and accelerating its estate transformation programme.

The forthcoming 83,000 sq ft Bath flagship will showcase the “very best” in food, fashion, home and beauty offerings, according to the retailer. Store Manager Natalie Jordan commented: “We are counting down the days to reveal our showstopping store next month. Our customers deserve the very best of M&S  and our new location will deliver just that, with new products to explore and guaranteed trusted value and quality.”

She continued: “The team and I have been busy getting ready for the move and we’ve welcomed 40 new joiners which has been fantastic.

“It’s a hugely exciting time for us here in Bath and we can’t wait to welcome local residents and visitors to the city alike.”

As the retailer prepares for expansion, its strategy centres on securing premises with appropriate space in optimal locations. The objective remains to double its food business whilst modernising its property portfolio.

In a bid to attract more customers for their weekly shop, M&S is set to supersize its Food stores, offering an expanded range of products. The firm has seen promising results from new M&S Food stores launched in the past three years.

Consequently, it’s broadening its site search to include locations where there isn’t currently an M&S  store, such as Hove, Marlborough and Wallingford. These fresh outlets will showcase the latest renewal format, featuring an extended range of M&S Food, wider aisles for larger shopping trolleys, and expansive car parks to cater to more family shoppers.

The Food store in Selby, which opened its doors on Three Lakes retail park last year, has surpassed expectations, delivering above-average food market share growth in the region, according to the Mirror.

M&S is scouting for new locations, with 500 potential sites earmarked to roll out its proven store format. By April 2028, over half of the M&S stores, including convenience ones, are projected to adopt this new format.

Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, stated: “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.”

This strategic move follows a significant dent in the company’s profits due to a major cyber attack earlier this year. The digital assault led to a drastic 40% drop in online home and fashion sales when the company was compelled to halt website orders.

The retail titan reported that its underlying pre-tax profits took a 55.4% tumble to £184.1 million in the six months leading up to 27 September. On a reported basis, profits nearly evaporated, plummeting to £3.4 million from £391.9 million the previous year.

M&S has disclosed that the cyber attack cost the company a hefty £324 million in lost sales, slightly exceeding its initial estimate of £300 million. However, it managed to claw back £100 million in the first half of the year through an insurance payout.

Locations for new M&S stores.

North West and West London.

1. Acton.

8. Chalk Farm and Primrose Hill.

33. Ladbrooke Grove / Portobello Road.

59. Warren Street / Euston Square.

60. Wembley Stadium / Wembley Park.

The City, NE and SE London.

23. Forest Gate / Wanstead Park.

57. Surrey Quays / Canada Water.

South London and West End.

20. Crystal Palace / Upper Norwood.

3. Bridge Of Don Aberdeen.

22. Kingsgate East Kilbride.

28. Morningside Edinburgh.

14. Cleveland Middlesbrough.

22. Great Barr Birmingham.

34. Netherfield Nottingham.

36. Norton College Sheffield.

38. Princess Park, Birmingham.

48. Team Valley Gateshead.

52. Wakefield Rd Huddersfield.

55. West Park Darlington.

4. Bamber Bridge / Clayton.

4. Benfleet/ Leigh-on-Sea.

14. Fletchamstead, Coventry.

31. Martlesham Heath, Ipswich.

37. Nuneaton/Hinckley (A5).

52. Wymondham/Cringleford.

14. Chineham, Basingstoke.

20. Fetcham/ Leatherhead.

27. Heathfield, East Sussex.

35. Marshalswick, St Albans.

54. Wokingham/ Arborfield.

29. Gloucester Brockworth.

37. Lyme Regis/Axminster (A35).

42. Ocean RP Portsmouth SF.

49. Radstock/Midsomer Norton.