M&S expanding Simply Food - Food Retailing - Marks and Spencer - Brief Article

UK retailer Marks & Spencer's (M&S) is expanding its Simply Food range of food retail stores into larger formats. M&S has been through the doldrums of late, particularly regarding its core business, women's fashion. Its food sales have always been good, and now its core business is on the up, M&S is keen to develop the food sector.

Luc Vandevelde chairman and chief executive at M&S believes the Simply Food format is key to the future success of M&S's food business. The Grocer quoted Vandevelde as saying, "We must extend our reach on food with Simply Food [...] The format fulfils a new need in the market as a meals solution store for busy people."

M&S has plans to open some 20 Simply Food stores this year, with a further 30 due to open next year.

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