MARKS and Spencer is set to open seven new shops just in time for Christmas.
It’s part of the posh retailer’s plan to dozens of new full-range stores and food halls this financial year.
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Cities like Leeds and Liverpool have already become home to new M&S stores this year.
And now, shoppers in Manchester, Birmingham and Uckfield, East Sussex, will be thrilled to learn that they don’t have to wait much longer for their new stores to open.
These new shops will all contain clothing, homeware, cafes and food halls.
M&S’ new shop in Manchester’s Trafford Centre will take over the former Debenhams building, which has been empty since May 2021.
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The brand new megastore will be 135,000 sq ft, while its current Trafford Centre site covers just 87,000 sq ft.
It’s set to open in late November, meaning shoppers can browse the retailer’s Christmas selection in the build-up to the festive season.
But Birmngham’s new Bullring store will open within days on November 7.
Here’s a full list of the seven stores set to open before Christmas:
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- Birmingham Bullring – to open on November 7
- Uckfield – to open on November 8
- Barnsley – expected Autumn 2023
- Earlsfield – to open on November 16
- Lakeside Thurrock – to open on November 15
- Wrexham – December 1
- Manchester Trafford Centre – Winter 2023
A further three stores will then open in the new year.
- Largs – expected Spring 2024
- Dundee – expected Spring 2024
- Linlithgow – opens January 2024
Earlier this year, M&S revealed that it will permanently shut ten of its stores and relocate more shops this year.
The full list of M&S closures that have taken place so far this year can be seen below:
- East Kilbride – closed in February
- Fenchurch Street, London – March
- Meadowbank Retail Park in Edinburgh – April
- Castleford – April
- Bolton – April
- Cardiff – April
- Manchester – August
- Swindon – October
M&S plans to operate 180 full-line and 400 food halls in the next five years.
The new openings will bring investment in new stores to £480million, M&S said in May.
It will also be investing in its digital offering, with the rollout of click-and-collect to 130 stores across the UK.
Meanwhile, M&S isn’t the only retailer looking to expand.
Primark recently opened a new shop in Salisbury in September and completed a refurbishment on its store in Edinburgh’s Princes Street.
Plus, bargain retailer Poundland has opened dozens of new sites.
Marks and Spencer recently revealed its huge, new Christmas menu, including party food and a new Colin the Caterpillar cake.
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M&S’ first Christmas advert has also arrived and it features well-known TV and movie stars.
Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham is among the star-studded cast in the posh shop’s clothes and home festive ad this year.
