In a significant shake-up of its hospitality offerings, retail giant Marks & Spencer has revealed plans to close cafés in 45 stores across the United Kingdom. The move forms part of a broader strategic review aimed at revitalising the retailer's food operations.
The affected locations will see their traditional in-store cafés replaced with either expanded foodhall offerings or partnerships with established coffee chains. This decision comes as M&S seeks to optimise its store space and respond to changing consumer habits.
Strategic Shift in Dining Experience
An M&S spokesperson explained that the changes represent an evolution in how customers want to dine and shop. "We're focused on providing the very best food and drink options for our customers," they stated. "In some locations, this means introducing exciting new partnerships that bring popular coffee brands directly into our stores."
The company emphasised that this restructuring will ultimately create a more diverse and appealing offering for shoppers, though specific details about which coffee chains might replace the traditional M&S cafés remain under wraps.
Broader Store Transformation
This café initiative forms part of a larger transformation programme affecting 110 M&S stores nationwide. The comprehensive plan includes:
- Complete refurbishment of selected stores
- Relocation of some branches to more prominent retail locations
- Expansion of successful foodhall concepts
- Closure of 20 older, underperforming stores
The company has assured that affected café staff will be offered alternative roles within the organisation wherever possible, demonstrating commitment to their workforce during this transitional period.
Industry Context and Future Outlook
This move reflects broader trends in the UK retail sector, where traditional department store cafés face increasing competition from specialised coffee shops and changing consumer expectations. M&S appears to be adapting by either expanding its successful foodhall format or leveraging the drawing power of established beverage brands.
While the exact timeline for these café conversions remains unclear, the changes signal M&S's determination to stay competitive in an increasingly challenging retail landscape. Customers can expect to see these transformations rolling out across selected stores throughout the coming months.
