What: Marks & Spencer is planning to open nine new stores in November, which they claim will be their "biggest ever store opening month.”

Why it is important: The retailer's ongoing store rotation program aims to transition from 247 stores to 180 higher quality, higher productivity full line stores as well as maintain their competitive advantage with the right locations.

The company will invest £80 million into sustainable physical locations, beginning with a 65,000 square foot store in Birmingham's Bullring on November 7. Marks & Spencer will open at least one store per week throughout the month, creating over 2,200 local jobs. This includes two additional store openings, three new M&S Foodhalls, and three store renewals.

Marks & Spencer to open nine stores in November