Seven Lancashire towns on list of target locations for new M&S Food stores

M&S has launched a new list of 500 target locations it is considering for new and renewed Food stores, with seven in Lancashire, as it aims to double the size of its Food business.

With 20 stores opening or renewing before the end of the financial year, creating 800 new jobs, M&S is picking up the pace on renewing in its store estate. 

As M&S reshapes for growth, it is opening stores with the right space in the right places as it looks to double the size of its food business and modernise its store estate.

To grow the food business, M&S is looking to expand the size of its Food stores to stock a fuller range and attract more customers to do their weekly shop.

Following the excellent performance of the new M&S Food stores opened in the last three years, M&S is now expanding the number of locations in its search for sites, including areas where there is not yet an M&S store.

Among the locations in Lancashire being targetted are Bamber Bridge/Clayton, Burnley, Chorley, Garstang, Lancaster, Lytham and Rawtenstall.   

Alex Freudmann managing director, M&S Food said: “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth.

"With more than 20 stores opening or modernised before the end of the financial year, we are moving faster.

"Our team want new sites where we could open a large M&S Food store as we deliver on our strategy to bring the right stores to the right places and offer the best shopping experience, range and availability for our customers.”

Lancashire Business View reported in April that M&S confirmed plans to deliver a 'Food Hall' in Thornton Cleveleys and push forward with its plan to move its Blackburn store to Frontier Park.