Marks & Spencer Commits £30 Million Investment in Scottish Stores

Marks & Spencer, the British retail giant, is set to bolster its physical retail presence by injecting £30 million into various stores across Scotland. The strategic investment, slated for the next 18 months, includes plans for the opening of more than five new locations, contributing to the creation of over 6,500 jobs throughout the country, as outlined in a company statement.

A significant portion of the investment, £15 million, will be allocated to the expansion of the Marks & Spencer Aberdeen Union Square store. The store is poised to nearly double in size by spring 2025, featuring enlarged clothing and beauty departments, along with the addition of a food hall. Upon completion, the Aberdeen Union Square location will become the fourth largest Marks & Spencer store in Scotland, resulting in the closure of its existing St Nicholas Street space. Employees from the St Nicholas Street store will be relocated to Union Square, a transition that has been communicated to the workforce.

Furthermore, a new food hall is scheduled to be introduced at the Linlithgow location later this month. Additionally, new full-line stores are slated to open in Dundee’s Gallagher Retail Park in the summer of 2024 and in Largs in early 2025.

The retailer emphasized that this investment aligns with its overarching strategy to position itself as the “UK’s leading omnichannel retailer.” This strategy has been underpinned by a store rotation program implemented across the UK, focused on introducing higher-quality full-line locations in strategically important areas. Last year, Marks & Spencer had already initiated a £500 million multi-year investment program, aiming to achieve its set targets within three years.