M&S Food Accelerates Expansion with 500 New Store Locations and Major Investment

M&S Food: Leading the Charge in British Retail Innovation

Marks & Spencer’s food division has emerged as a powerhouse in the UK retail landscape, combining ambitious expansion plans with cutting-edge innovation and substantial infrastructure investment. As one of Britain’s most trusted food retailers, M&S Food is reshaping how customers shop for quality groceries across the nation.

Ambitious Expansion Plans Unveiled

M&S has released a list of 500 target locations it is considering for new and renewed food stores as it looks to double the size of its food business. The retailer has launched a new list of 500 target locations with 20 stores opening or renewing before the end of the financial year, creating 800 new jobs.

Following the strong performance of new M&S Food stores opened over the past three years, the retailer is expanding its search for additional locations, including places that do not yet have an M&S presence, such as Hove, Marlborough, and Wallingford. The new stores will all feature M&S’s latest renewal format and offer an expanded food range, wider aisles to accommodate larger trolleys, and bigger car parks designed for family shopping.

Record Financial Performance

The expansion comes on the back of impressive financial results. Food sales increased by 8.7% to reach £9 billion, and the retailer reported food volume and value share growth. Despite some disruption to availability for its food business as a result of a cyberattack in April, spending on groceries at M&S grew by 12.3% year on year in the 12 weeks to 18 May 2025.

Landmark Infrastructure Investment

Supporting its growth ambitions, M&S has made a landmark investment of £340m in advanced automated food distribution, with the multi-year fund aiding in the development of an automated National Distribution Centre in Northamptonshire. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the new facility will feature advanced automation and create 1000 permanent jobs on site and 2000 during the construction phase.

Innovation and Viral Products

Innovation remains at the heart of M&S Food’s success. Product quality was upgraded on over 1,000 lines in the year to 29 March 2025, according to the retailer. M&S has launched over 100 new or refreshed summer products in Foodhalls, including Shred N’ Share Dine In deals for families that serve four and consist of a main to share and four extras for £20.

Social media continues to drive product popularity, with customers unable to get enough of white chocolate and gingerbread cookies after the ‘M&S viral cookies’ craze began on TikTok, with over 20 million combined views.

Why This Matters for British Shoppers

M&S Food’s transformation represents a significant shift in the UK grocery landscape. The retailer’s focus on larger format stores, premium quality products, and innovative offerings positions it as a destination for weekly shopping rather than just occasional treats. With substantial investment in automation and logistics, customers can expect improved product availability and fresher food. As M&S continues its expansion into new towns and cities across Britain, more families will have access to the quality and innovation that has made M&S Food a household favourite, contributing to increased competition and choice in local food retail markets.