Marks & Spencer to Get a New Franchise Partner; Stay in PH

(SPOT.ph) It seems like it's not the end yet for Marks & Spencer here in the Philippines. It has been a hot minute since news of their stores ceasing operations made waves on social media, with their Filipino consumers lamenting about their memories with the brand—and, most especially, the digestives that they can no longer gift to their coworkers during Christmas, which ICYMI, are on sale now. Apparently the British brand is going to continue operating in the Philippines—albeit under a new franchise partner.

It was February 25 that Stores Specialists, Inc. said in a disclosure that Marks & Spencer stores will close on May 2, ending a partnership with the M&S brand that spanned decades. It seemed to everyone that this was the end of Marks & Spencer it the Philippines—much to the dismay of many a loyal M&S shopper—but there's a twist: instead of closing their doors for good, Marks & Spencer will continue to operate in the Philippines with another franchise partner.

According to this report from Inquirer, the M&S head office in London expressed via an emailed statement that M&S is in fact simply ending their contract with SSI in May 2026, and that they have decided to "transition to a new franchise partner to support our ambitious growth plans in the region."

In addition, they told Inquirer that they "remain committed to the Philippines and the growth opportunity in the region."

The first M&S store in the Philippines opened in the late 1980s. There are still 13 stores in and around the Metro, offering quality British apparel for women, men, and kids; also with a wide range of beauty products, premium packaged food, and wine, among others.

We're keeping an eye out for further updates regarding this change, so in the meantime, hold on to your horses (and digestive cookies).

For more information and updates, check out Marks & Spencer's Facebook page. You can also check out more of their offerings via their website.