Marks & Spencer has set its eyes on Acton, along with West Ealing, South Ealing, Hanwell and Northfields, as potential locations for new M&S Food stores as the retailer steps up plans to grow and expand its grocery business across the UK.
A new store in West Ealing would represent a return for M&S two decades after it closed its former branch in the area.
The company said it aims to double the size of its food operation and is seeking larger sites that can support a full range of M&S products. It is increasing the target size for new food stores to around 18,000 square feet. Proposed locations would feature wider aisles, more space for family-sized trolleys and larger car parks to attract more customers doing a weekly shop.
The strong presence of Ealing-area sites on the company’s new list of 500 target locations highlights a renewed interest in growing across the borough. M&S said it is prioritising areas with reliable transport links and wants to attract more customers to do their regular weekly food shop with the high street retailer
Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said recent results had reinforced the company’s confidence. 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.”
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Council spokesperson said: “We welcome the potential investment to our high streets and town centres across our borough which demonstrates the market confidence in our local economy.”
