M&S Invests £50 Million in North West Expansion, Creating 300 Jobs

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is set to invest £50 million (~$64.7 million) in its stores across North West England over the next year, expanding its retail footprint by 100,000 square feet and generating 300 new jobs.

The investment is a key part of M&S’s store renewal and rotation programme, aimed at optimizing store locations and improving customer experience. The company’s transformation strategy is gaining momentum, with newly opened and refurbished stores delivering strong performance.

Over the next three financial years, M&S will refurbish three existing stores and open five new locations across the region.

• The Gemini Retail Park store in Warrington has been revamped with a larger Beauty department, an expanded Food Hall, and an enhanced bakery offering takeaway coffee.
• A new Outlet store with Click & Collect services is set to open in Warrington by late summer 2024.

Merseyside

A new full-line store in Speke, Liverpool (pending planning approval) will replace the existing Food Hall, offering a wider range of M&S products and creating over 100 new jobs.

A larger Food Hall in Formby at The Point development will replace the current smaller store, supporting 60 local jobs.

In Thornton-Cleveleys, M&S plans to triple the size of its existing store, replacing it with a new 16,000 sq. ft. Food Hall featuring an in-store bakery, fresh produce section, and dedicated Flower and Wine Shops.

In Blackburn, M&S has applied for planning permission to relocate to the Frontier Park retail hub, expanding its Food product range.

The Middlebrook Retail Park store in Bolton will undergo a major extension, creating 108 new jobs.

The Food Hall in Sale has already received a £2.1 million makeover, featuring a larger bakery, coffee-to-go counter, and a new Food-to-Order service.

Commitment to Growth

M&S Property Director Will Smith emphasized the retailer’s focus on delivering high-quality stores:

“Our investment in the North West reflects our commitment to creating market-leading stores that enhance the customer experience. These new and upgraded stores will showcase great quality products with that signature M&S magic.”

M&S currently operates 62 stores across North West England, plus 25 locations in hospitals, train stations, and fuel stations. This latest expansion will strengthen its regional presence, introducing modern store designs and new technology for a seamless shopping experience.