Marks & Spencer to close 11 in-store cafés in small UK shops

Marks & Spencer said on Monday it will close 11 in-store cafés in smaller food shops across the UK as part of a broader revamp of its store estate, a move the company says will free up space for its most popular food products. The closures affect fewer than 4 percent of the retailer’s 316 food shops, and Marks & Spencer said no jobs will be lost because affected staff will be redeployed to other roles within those stores.

Company officials described the changes as part of a planned £300 million investment and store rotation programme aimed at expanding and modernising its food business. The programme has included converting several full-line stores into food-focused locations, upgrading existing food-only shops, and opening standalone coffee shops, including a new outlet at Bristol Cabot Circus serving barista-made fairtrade coffee and fresh food. Marks & Spencer has set a target of growing its portfolio to about 420 food stores by the end of 2028.

A spokesperson said the repurposing responds to customer demand for a wider range of the retailer’s own food products in smaller formats. In some locations, that will involve converting café seating and counter space into retail floor...