Key Highlights
- M&S reveals 6 Cheshire locations earmarked for new food stores.
- The retailer aims to double the size of its food business and modernize its store estate.
- Alex Freudmann, Managing Director, M&S Food, said they are moving faster with more than twenty stores opening or modernized before the end of the financial year.
- M&S targets 500 potential locations across the UK for new and renewed food stores by April 2028.
Mark & Spencer’s Expansion Plans in Cheshire
Major retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced plans to expand its presence in the county of Cheshire, with six strategic locations set for new food stores. This move is part of a broader strategy by M&S to enhance and modernize their store estate across the UK.
Strategy for Growth
Alex Freudmann, Managing Director at M&S Food, emphasized that the retailer aims to grow its food business significantly. “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK,” said Freudmann.
Target Locations and Timeline
The specific Cheshire locations identified for expansion include Frodsham, Knutsford, Middlewich, and Northwich. This comes as part of a larger initiative where M&S plans to target 500 potential sites across the country by April 2028. Freudmann further noted that over twenty stores are expected to undergo modernization or expansion before the end of this financial year.
Modernization Efforts
The retailer’s strategy involves not only opening new stores but also renewing existing ones with a larger store format capable of offering a fuller range of products. M&S aims to deliver the best shopping experience, range, and availability for their customers through these modernized outlets.
Background on Mark & Spencer’s Store Strategy
M&S has been focusing on store renewal as part of its broader business strategy. By April 2028, they expect that more than half of the stores across their estate—ranging from convenience stores to larger outlets—will adopt this renewed format.
Cheshire’s Role in M&S Strategy
The chosen locations in Cheshire represent a significant step towards achieving these goals. These areas are strategically selected based on market potential and customer needs, allowing the retailer to offer better services and products to local residents.
M&S’s expansion plans not only aim at increasing their market share but also serve to bring modern convenience stores to new areas within Cheshire. This move reflects a broader trend in retail where companies are increasingly focusing on modernizing their store formats to meet evolving customer demands.
Conclusion
The launch of these expansion plans underscores M&S’s commitment to growth and innovation, especially in regions like Cheshire. As they continue to explore new locations and modernize existing ones, the retailer aims to enhance its presence and offerings, ensuring a more robust and competitive position within the UK retail landscape.
