Marks & Spencer has confirmed plans to open new stores in Northwich, Abingdon and Stonehaven imminently, as part of its ambition to secure 500 locations across the UK. The retailer previously revealed a wish list of sites where it wants to expand, including areas where it currently has no presence such as Hove, Marlborough and Wallingford.
New stores in Farnham and Northampton are expected to open in spring and summer of 2026, alongside a branch in Godalming, which is set to become M&S's largest standalone food store. The supermarket has already welcomed customers to new outlets in Cannock and Bath. M&S is seeking sites capable of delivering at least 18,000 sq ft of trading space (25,000 sq ft gross).
Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of 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.”
The announcement comes after M&S reported a record number of shoppers over Christmas, with food sales growing 5.6% in the 13 weeks to 27 December compared to the same period last year. However, the fashion, home and beauty division saw a 2.9% year-on-year sales dip, which the company attributed to reduced high street footfall and the lingering impact of a major cyber attack that disrupted online sales and logistics.
M&S said it plans to “reshape” the business for growth amid an “uncertain consumer environment”, focusing on store transformations and cost reduction. The retailer previously warned that the cyber incident would cost around £136 million in annual profits.
