Marks & Spencer will open its new and expanded Foodhall in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, on 28 November.

The news came as Stuart Machin, M&S CEO addressed an audience in Belfast, where he highlighted the importance of suppliers in Northern Ireland.

“We have a deep-rooted connection with our customers here, as well as our supply partners who help us provide innovative and quality products locally and across the UK,” he said.

“We also have over 2,000 brilliant colleagues who have enabled us to deliver good growth.”

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Machin added: “We’ve been serving Northern Ireland’s communities for nearly 60 years, and our commitment has never wavered. I see a big opportunity for more investment as we plan for the next 60 years, and beyond.”

The retailer opened the first store in Belfast in 1967, which brought in more than 120,000 visitors.

M&S operates 22 owned stores and four franchise locations in partnership with SSP and Applegreen.

The news comes after the supermarket retailer announced a multimillion investment earlier this year and unveiled plans to open six new stores in London by the end of the year.