Marks and Spencer (M&S) has announced that it will open at least ten new convenience stores with its franchise partners and renew a further 50 convenience stores.

The move forms part of its plans to grow its £1 billion convenience business.

The retailer said that by the end of this year, it will have a presence in over 40 UK train stations. This includes two new stores at Ealing Broadway, which opened last month, as well as in hospitals and airports across the country.

The company added that a convenience store located in London’s Liverpool Street Station reopened this week after undergoing a revamp.

The store is owned in partnership with SSP, which runs a further 55 M&S convenience stores.

The store now has an additional entrance and more target ranges.

There are also additional payment points and three self-service tills which M&S said will improve the customer experience and reduce waiting time.

“Our renewal programme is all about making sure we have the right stores in the right place and with the right space and this applies to our convenience stores as well,” said Alex Freudmann, M&S Food MD. “These stores offer the perfect range for customers on the move looking for sandwiches, salads and snacks to eat now, as well as meals for dinner, such as our infamous Dine In offers.”

Earlier this month, M&S revealed plans to open two new flagship stores in Bath and Bristol. The 80,000 sq ft store in Cabot Circus is backed by a £21 million investment and will create around 150 new jobs in the area.

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