What: Marks & Spencer is investing in its retail network with plans to open bigger and better stores in hopes to better improve their customers’ shopping experience.

Why it is important: Marks & Spencer’s investment in new stores supports a better omnichannel shopping experience that customers want, while also boosting local economies through job creation.

M&S is investing £480 million in 20 new bigger and better stores across the UK. Their plan to future-proof their physical retail stores will create around 3,400 jobs.

Chief executive, Stuart Machin stated that stores are a core part of the company's omnichannel future and their store rotation program is ensuring M&S has the right stores, in the right place, with the right space. The UK retailer has already seen success in its newly relocated and renovated stores, giving them the confidence to move faster with their plan.

The new stores deliver a better shopping experience for consumers and employees while also supporting Marks & Spencer’s investment in new digital services to offer an omnichannel service to customers. M&S stated that they would roll out Digital Click & Collect to 130 stores across the UK and Scan & Shop which allows customers to scan and bag items through the app as they shop.

In M&S’ Christmas trading update, the company announced that there was a 33% increase in sales through the app, and active users grew from four million to five million.

M&S to future-proof its retail with 480 million pound investment and 20 ‘better’ stores