Marks and Spencer plans to open a new store on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, according to reports.

La Tribune reported today (31 January) that the retailer will take over a 1,400 sq m space currently occupied by clothing retailer Esprit and could open as early as this summer.

There has been speculation that the retailer is interested in re-entering the French market since November last year. The retailer sold its 38 stores in Continental Europe as part of a group restructuring in 2001.

An M&S spokesperson declined to comment on the rumours.