Marks & Spencer has announced ambitious plans to open or refurbish approximately 200 food halls across London, marking one of the most significant retail expansions in recent years.
Transforming the M&S Shopping Experience
The nation's favourite supermarket is targeting prominent locations with strong seven-day footfall, dedicated or nearby parking, and excellent public transport links. Each new store will be designed to stock the full range of M&S food products, moving away from the limited selections often found in smaller convenience stores.
M&S aims to increase its average store size to approximately 18,000 square feet, significantly larger than many existing locations. The new format will feature wider aisles to accommodate bigger shopping trolleys and larger car parks to better serve family shoppers.
Ambitious Timeline for Store Transformation
The retail giant has set an ambitious target to have over half of its estate, including convenience stores, converted to the new and improved format by April 2028. This announcement follows recent successful openings in Clapham Common and Fulham Broadway, with a refurbished Chiswick store scheduled to open in December.
The expansion strategy represents a major vote of confidence in physical retail spaces despite the growth of online shopping. M&S appears to be doubling down on creating destination food halls that offer the complete brand experience.
Complete List of Potential London Locations
The company has identified an extensive 'wish list' of 200 areas across the capital that could receive new or upgraded M&S food stores. The comprehensive list covers virtually every corner of London, from North and West London to the City, North East, Inner South East, and broader South London areas.
Notable areas under consideration include Baker Street, Kensington, Hampstead, Shoreditch, Greenwich, Wimbledon, and many suburban locations that currently lack full-size M&S food halls. The complete list provides Londoners with a clear indication of where their favourite supermarket might be arriving next.
This massive expansion plan signals M&S's commitment to strengthening its physical presence in the UK's most competitive retail market while adapting to changing consumer shopping habits through larger, better-equipped stores.
