Lancaster on list of targets for new M&S Simply Food store

An M&S Simply Food store. Image: Marks and Spencer

Lancaster has been named on a list of potential sites for a new M&S Simply Food store.

The retail giant has announced 500 target locations across the UK it is considering for new and renewed food stores as it aims to double the size of its food business.

Marks & Spencer already has a store, selling food, clothes and other items, on Penny Street in Lancaster city centre and a smaller Simply Food food store at Forton services on the M6 near Lancaster. 

An M&S spokesperson said: "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.

"M&S is now searching for sites in 500 potential locations to bring its tried and tested format for stores to modernise in existing markets and bring food stores to new areas. Over half of the stores across the M&S estate, including convenience stores, are expected to be in the renewal format by April 2028."

Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of 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."

M&S said they are looking for "highly visible and accessible sites across the UK that are capable of delivering trading space of 18,000sqft (25,000sqft gross)".

Target locations in the North West also include Barrow, Bamber Bridge/Clayton, Garstang, Clitheroe and Chorley.

It is not known if by 'Lancaster', M&S means the wider Lancaster & Morecambe District. Beyond Radio has contacted M&S for comment.

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