An iconic British brand has confirmed the opening date of a huge new city centre store. It comes after the retailer announced 11 closures across the UK as part of a wider restructuring plan.
The new Marks and Spencer (M&S) branch will open at Cabot Circus, Bristol, on Thursday, November 13. It will take the place of the former House of Fraser store which closed in August 2024. M&S recently confirmed it will close 11 cafes across its UK stores to make room for more popular products. The retailer previously stressed that no staff will lose their jobs and they will be realigned in other parts of the business. Meanwhile, the iconic M&S store in Wolverhampton, which opened in 1929, permanently shut on September 27 as part of the company’s plan to cut the number of shops selling food, clothing and homeware and focus on food-only stores.
As reported by Bristol Live, an M&S spokesperson said: “The 80,000 sq ft full-line store will offer the very best of M&S food, fashion, home and beauty across three floors.
“Customers can look forward to a 17,000 sq ft fresh market-style foodhall, with in-store bakery, fresh market specials from M&S Select Farms (over 1,200 are based in the South West) and a wide range of M&S sandwiches, salads and wraps – perfect for the lunchtime rush.
“A 200-seater M&S Coffee Shop will deliver speedy service and a delicious range of freshly cooked breakfast rolls, toasties, wraps and sandwiches, alongside barista-made coffee, using M&S’ iconic Roast & Ritual fairtrade house blend and iced drinks.”
The huge store is set to include “one of M&S’ biggest beauty sections across the UK”. It will also offer the latest Autograph collections and a kidswear department.
Despite the cafe closures, the new M&S in Bristol, which will create over 100 jobs, is among 16 new stores opening across the nation as part of a £300 million investment plan. The plan could see the business open around 100 new food halls.
M&S has already converted a number of full-line stores into food stores as part of its redevelopment. The retailer plans to have around 420 food stores by the end of 2028.
Ali Ivery, regional manager at M&S, said: “We’re so excited to say: ‘Bristol, we are back’. Our Cabot Circus flagship will be one of the most modern stores in the UK, showcasing the very best of M&S food, fashion, home and beauty for customers. We can promise state of the art features, innovative products and of course, more of that M&S magic – just in time for the festive season.
“Since we announced our return to Bristol last summer, the excitement has been growing and we cannot wait to open the doors. There’s still time to join the team, so visit M&S Careers, follow our store Facebook page for the latest updates and we look forward to seeing you on the 13th November.”