M&S to invest £30m to boost London store estate
M&S is planning to invest £30m more into its London store estate over the next year as part of its ongoing growth strategy.
The investment will include the opening of two new food halls in Sidcup and Friern Barnet, a move which is expected to create around 100 new jobs.
The store in Sidcup is expected to open later this month, while the Friern Barnet site is due to open its doors in August.
A further 12 stores in London will see a modernised revamp, including in Islington, Chancery Lane, Teddington and Blackheath
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The changes will include bigger in-store bakeries, dedicated flower and wine shops, as well as click-and-collect facilities.
M&S operations director Sacha Berendji 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.”
It comes as M&S full-year results soared above expectations as it delivered a 58% rise in profit thanks to the success of its turnaround plan and reshaping its food business.
The upmarket grocer posted profit before tax and adjusting items of £716.4m in the 52 weeks ending 30 March – a jump from £453.3m the previous year.
Its future growth plans, include pushing ahead with its store rotation programme, which will result in M&S having 180 higher quality, higher productivity full-line stores and 420 food stores, investing in upgrading and innovating its food range, and growing online with its joint venture, Ocado Retail.




