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M&S Scouts 500 UK Sites to Double Food Business After Cyberattack

The retailer accelerates its recovery by mapping a nationwide rollout to expand grocery share.

Overview

  • The company confirms an active search of about 500 locations across Britain to expand its food estate.
  • Targets are set for 180 full-line stores with food and 420 food-only shops over the coming years.
  • Roughly 200 prospects are in London, with 10,000–18,000 sq ft sites sought in Zones 2–3 and larger plots elsewhere with at least 100 parking spaces and access from major roads.
  • Eight food-only openings are slated before year-end, and a renewed store format is being rolled out with more than half the estate due for refurbishment by April 2028.
  • Half-year pre-tax profit fell 99% to £3.4 million after a £324 million cyberattack, while management reports three years of consecutive monthly volume growth in food.