Shoppers could see more Marks and Spencer food stores popping up in their vicinity as the retail giant unveils ambitious expansion plans.

The company has disclosed that it is actively scouting for locations across the county to establish new Simply Food outlets.

Currently operating 247 'full-line stores' nationwide, Marks and Spencer aims to reduce this number to 180 by 2028.

However, this restructuring includes a nationwide strategy to boost its food store presence from 316 to 420 locations.

In its 2024 property brochure, the company has detailed specific requirements for its new sites in London and non-London locations, favouring two-acre edge-of-town spots on major roads with easy access and dedicated parking in the latter.

Where is M&S opening new stores?

The retailer is looking for new sites across England in several major regions, including:

• North London - 97 locations
• South London - 73 locations
• North East England - 37 locations
• Midlands and East Anglia - 34 locations
• South East - 49 locations
• South West and South Wales - 26 locations

An M&S spokesperson commented: "Our store rotation programme is about making sure we have the right stores, in the right place, with the right space. The performance of our recently relocated and renewed stores gives us the confidence to move faster in our plan," Leicestershire Live reports.

The expansion follows the closure of several stores earlier this year in Bradford, Neath, Weymouth, Sunderland, Hexham, East London, Blackburn, and South London.

Cities such as Leeds and Liverpool have already welcomed brand-new M&S establishments. Six new shops and three renewed stores were among the nine launches in November.

More new food halls are expected to open during the 104-store expansion.