UK retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) plans to open 12 new stores, which it said would create more than 550 new jobs.

M&S announced that it will invest in 12 new food stores, some with more than 20,000 sq ft of trading space, on former Homebase sites across England, aiming to create in excess of 550 new jobs.

Last year, M&S opened six food stores and two full-line stores as well as renewing nine existing stores.

The new food stores averaged around 15,000 sq ft, enabling more customers to shop the full range. In a reportedly “strong” year, food sales outperformed target by around 20%.

Eight new food stores are expected to open by the end of 2026, including Abington, Cannock, Farnham, Godalming and Northampton. All store plans are currently subject to planning permission.

M&S CEO Stuart Machin said: “Investing in new and renewed stores is one of our key transformation priorities. Securing these highly desirable sites in priority locations will accelerate this strategy, drive further growth in our M&S food business and most importantly give our customers the best possible M&S shopping experience.”