New M&S Food stores could be coming to Devon as search expands

Marks & Spencer has named several locations in Devon as part of a nationwide search for new Food store sites as it accelerates plans to expand and modernise its retail estate.

The retailer has published a list of 500 potential locations across the UK, with Devon featuring prominently.

Areas being considered include Tiverton, east Exeter, Exmouth, Teignmouth, Plymstock/Sherford and Honiton.

M&S said it is looking for larger sites, around 18,000 sq ft on average, to accommodate an extended Food range as it works towards doubling the size of its grocery business.

The expansion is part of its wider aim to establish 420 Food stores alongside 180 full-line shops.

The company plans to open or renew 20 stores by the end of the financial year, creating around 800 jobs. More than half of all M&S stores are expected to be updated into the newer ‘renewal’ format by 2028.

The format includes wider aisles, room for larger trolleys and increased parking, designed to encourage bigger weekly shops. 

Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said the success of recent openings had prompted the company to widen its search, including across Devon.

“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,” he said. “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.”