Marks & Spencer to reopen in Philippines by yearend, first in Glorietta

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MANILA, Philippines — British lifestyle retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) will be active in the Philippines once more after signing an agreement with a new franchisee.

Earlier this year a company announcement issued by the Tantoco-owned Stores Specialists Inc. to the Philippine Stock Exchange revealed that M&S store operations in the Philippines would cease last May 2.

This after circulating media reports that the retailer was heading out of the country following the closure of several stores.

Last February, a spokesperson from the M&S head office in London told Philstar.com that the retailer would keep its Philippine stores open.

"Our objective is to build a trusted global brand by bringing the best of M&S to customers around the world," said the spokesperson then. "We remain committed to the Philippines and the growth opportunity in the region."

It also confirmed deciding to "transition to a new franchise partner to support their ambitious growth plans in the region," with more updates on such plans to be given in due course.

While more stores closed since, the head office redirected Philstar.com upon inquiry to a new announcement that M&S had entered a deal with leading Indonesian lifestyle retailer PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP).

The Indonesian retailer has operated M&S' franchise business for more than 26 years in Indonesia and Vietnam, and now it is expanding that partnership into the Philippines as part of M&S' "strategy to work with fewer, more strategic partners."

RELATED: Marks & Spencer staying in the Philippines with new franchise partner

MAP will oversee the availability of M&S Fashion, Home & Beauty and Food by the end of 2026, beginning with a store opening in Makati's Glorietta mall.

M&S International's managing director Mark Lemming expressed in a statement the company's delight to expand MAP's partnership to the Philippines, noting the role MAP played in driving the retailer's growth in Indonesia.

"MAP's deep local expertise gives us confidence as we accelerate our growth plans in Southeast Asia," Lemming also said. "We know there is strong demand for the M&S brand in the Philippines, and we're excited to reopen our stores and online channels later this year."

Sameer Prasad, chief executive officer of MAP fashion, similarly shared his excitement to handle M&S in the Philippines, calling it an important milestone for his company.

He echoed M&S' views on the Philippines as an exciting and fast-growing market, praising the British retailer's "strong heritage, trusted quality and timeless appeal" continuing to "resonate with consumers across generations."

"We look forward to strengthening [M&S'] presence in the market and delivering an elevated retail experience for Filipino customers," Prasad added.

M&S has been present in the Philippines for over 40 years, known for their stylish clothing and select food options.

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