Marks and Spencer has officially confirmed its ambitious retail expansion plans, announcing that seven new stores will open across the United Kingdom in 2026. This strategic move includes a mix of full-line stores and modern food halls, marking a significant investment in the brand's physical presence.
New Store Locations and Features
The high street giant recently launched two cutting-edge outlets in early 2026: a full-line store in Bath Southgate that opened on February 4, and a food hall on Putney High Street in London that debuted on February 25. These new market-style food halls feature an eye-catching in-store bakery and fresh market specialities, designed to enhance the shopping experience.
Additional Planned Openings
Five more food hall locations are scheduled to open later in 2026, though specific dates remain to be confirmed. The planned sites include Hatfield Oldings Corner, Luton Bramingham, Farnham, Abingdon Fairacres, and Godalming. Each new store will operate with extended hours, typically from 7am to 9pm Monday through Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
Furthermore, the new Putney High Street location includes a dedicated Click & Collect point for online orders in fashion, home, and beauty categories. This opening alone created over 40 new employment positions, contributing to local job markets.
Store Renewals and Investment
Alongside the new openings, M&S has committed to renewing several existing stores in 2026. The renewal list includes locations in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire; Westway in Chelmsford; One New Change in London; Anlaby in Hull; Douglas on the Isle of Man; and Dundrum in Ireland.
This expansion forms part of a broader £90 million investment strategy that also encompasses refurbishing 11 existing stores across London. Gianina Socotinschi, Store Manager at M&S Putney High Street, expressed enthusiasm about the return to Putney, highlighting the store's offerings from the popular Nutrient Dense range to new seasonal launches.
Contrasting Closures
Despite this expansion, Marks and Spencer has simultaneously announced the closure of 14 in-store cafes this year, along with several full-line branches. Notably, an iconic M&S store recently closed after 93 years of trading, reflecting the company's ongoing restructuring efforts to optimise its retail portfolio.
The dual strategy of opening new, modern stores while closing underperforming locations demonstrates M&S's commitment to adapting to changing consumer preferences and market conditions. The 2026 openings represent a focused investment in food retail and enhanced customer experiences, positioning the brand for future growth in competitive UK markets.
