UK: M&S will roll-out "Simply Food" format following successful trial

UK: M&S will roll-out “Simply Food” format following successful trial

UK high street retailer Marks & Spencer has revealed plans to roll-out another 20 Simply Food convenience stores throughout the country, following a successful trial of the two outlets opened in July. Speaking earlier today [Tuesday] by conference call, CEO Luc Vandevelde said that M&S was still looking for appropriate locations to open the Simply Food stores. Once the 20 are open, the group aims to review its convenience operations and "decide how many more stores" will follow.

November 6, 2001

UK high street retailer Marks & Spencer has revealed plans to roll-out another 20 Simply Food convenience stores throughout the country, following a successful trial of the two outlets opened in July.

Speaking earlier today [Tuesday] by conference call, CEO Luc Vandevelde said that M&S was still looking for appropriate locations to open the Simply Food stores. Once the 20 are open, the group aims to review its convenience operations and “decide how many more stores” will follow.

The retailer has experienced financial difficulties recently, and been forced to close operations abroad, but it is confident that the quality of its brand will drive growth forward. In the meantime however, the company is due to receive renewed bids for its US-based Brooks Brothers chain, after they were suspended after the 11 September terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, the sale of the group’s Kings Super Markets chain remains on track.