MARKS and Spencer is looking to open a host of new Somerset stores in the coming years.
The firm, known widely as M&S, has unveiled a wish list of around 500 locations for new Food outlets – including a number in the county.
Spots in Somerset targeted by the chain are: Bath, Bridgwater, Clevedon, Frome, Ilminster, Portishead, Radstock/Midsomer Norton, Wellington, Wells, Weston-super-Mare, and Winscombe.
The firm is keen to hear from people with suitable sites for stores measuring between 10,000 and 18,000 sq ft, with new-builds or conversions considered.
M&S said 20 stores are opening before the end of the financial year, creating 800 new jobs, with more planned for the coming years, offering an “extended range of M&S Food, wider aisles for bigger shopping trolleys and larger car parks”.
READ MORE: Business news from your Somerset Leveller
Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said: “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth.
“With more than 20 stores opening or modernised before the end of the financial year, we are moving faster.
“Our team want new sites where we could open a large M&S Food store as we deliver on our strategy to bring the right stores to the right places and offer the best shopping experience, range and availability for our customers.”
M&S currently has stores in Yeovil, Taunton and Foodhalls in Bridgwater and Weston-super-Mare, as well as a range of smaller outlets.
READ MORE: Bridgwater news from your Somerset Leveller
Why not open in Shepton Mallet. We only have a Tesco site and could do with new competition and job creation.
Can we have one in Somerton please!!!
All we have is a small Coop and the town has expanded massively.
Please can we have a Marks & Spencer in Gillinghsm Dorset
Shop empty in wells high street with big carpark behind store
Marks and Spencer in Wells would be a great success.
street would love a store it’s a no brainer it would fly