Marks & Spencer (M&S) is undertaking a significant transformation, closing 11 cafes in its smaller food shops as part of a £300 million overhaul. This strategic move is designed to make room for more popular food products in the retailer’s offerings.
On Monday, M&S confirmed that the closure of these cafes will not result in job losses. All employees affected by the changes will be redeployed within the company. This decision impacts fewer than 4% of the 316 food shops operated by M&S.
Café Closures and Plans for New Offerings
A spokesperson for M&S emphasized the company’s commitment to modernizing its food business. The aim is to provide customers with the best possible selection of M&S Food items. In line with this vision, they plan to open new coffee shops featuring fairtrade coffee and high-quality food, particularly noting the new outlet at Bristol Cabot Circus.
Transforming Food Stores
The repurposing of café spaces within 11 small food outlets is part of a broader initiative. M&S operates over 300 cafes and coffee locations. The goal is to enhance the range of products available in their smaller shops.
- £300 million investment as part of the overhaul
- Aiming to expand to around 420 food stores by 2028
- Move follows a major cyberattack that cost M&S around £300 million
This comprehensive strategy also includes converting several full-line stores into food-only stores. Additional investments are directed at modernizing existing food outlets to increase customer service capacity.
Financial Recovery
The changes come as M&S continues to recover from a cyberattack that occurred in April. This incident temporarily halted online orders for six weeks, impacting the company financially.
In summary, M&S is actively reshaping its retail landscape with significant investment. The closure of cafes, coupled with new coffee shop openings, illustrates their commitment to evolving consumer preferences and enhancing shopping experiences across their locations.
