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M&S has announced plans to invest over £30m in new and renewed stores across London this financial year, which is also expected to support an estimated 100 new jobs.
As a result, the retailer will be opening two new fresh-market style food halls in Sidcup and Friern Barnet, as well as renewing and modernising up to 12 existing M&S stores in Chancery Lane, Teddington, Blackheath and Islington.
M&S’ new Sidcup foodhall, which will be 7,200 sq ft of retail space at 124 Station Road, is due to open on 19 June and will be led by store manager Karen Black.
Meanwhile, the new 18,000 sq ft foodhall in Friern Barnet will open later in August.
Customers at the 12 renewal stores across London will benefit from bigger in-store bakeries, dedicated flower and wine shops– all with the retailer’s signature renewal design and neon lighting.
Each store will also have Click and Collect facilities, as 63% of M&S customers currently collect their online orders in-store.
M&S currently has over 80 owned stores across Greater London, and in recent years, has invested over £20m in its London store estate.
Sacha Berendji, operations director at M&S, said: “We cannot wait to bring the magic of M&S to even more customers across the capital. Expanding our presence in London is a key part of our growth strategy – our market share in food is higher here than any region in England and there is plenty of untapped potential.
“Our new and renewed stores are performing ahead of forecast and attracting new customers, giving us the confidence to keep accelerating our store rotation strategy.”
He added: “As the former regional manager for London, it’s brilliant to be spearheading that acceleration in the capital through this multi-million-pound investment and showcasing the very best of M&S quality, value and innovation.”
