Marks & Spencer is Exiting the Philippines After Nearly 40 Years

After nearly 40 years in the Philippine retail landscape, British retailer Marks & Spencer will close its local operations, marking the end of a long-running partnership that introduced generations of Filipino shoppers to British fashion staples and specialty food items.

In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI)—a wholly owned subsidiary of SSI Group—confirmed that it will cease operating Marks & Spencer stores in the country, with the final day of operations set for May 2, 2026. The company described the move as a strategic decision amid shifting consumer trends and the evolving retail environment. It issued the statement after a report that first appeared on news platform Bilyonaryo.

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“This has not been an easy decision,” SSI management said in the statement. “Building Marks & Spencer in the Philippines has been a meaningful and rewarding chapter for our organization. We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and partners who have supported the brand through the decades.”

SSI added that as shopping habits and market preferences change, the company believes it is necessary to focus resources on brands that align with current and future consumer demands. “Retail is constantly transforming. Change is inevitable, tastes evolve, and therefore so should we,” management said.

Marks & Spencer first entered the Philippine market in the late 1980s, bringing its mix of British apparel, lingerie, beauty items, and premium packaged food products to local malls. The brand’s operations were handled by Rustan Marketing Specialists Inc., part of the Rustan’s Group, which later became integrated into the SSI Group.

Over the years, Marks & Spencer built a loyal following among Filipino consumers looking for reliable wardrobe staples and imported grocery items—from knitwear and undergarments to the brand’s famous biscuits and chocolates. At its peak, the retailer operated more than 20 stores nationwide, many of them located in major shopping centers in Metro Manila and provincial cities.

In recent months, however, signs of a gradual wind-down had become apparent. Several locations—including branches in TriNoma, Robinsons Manila, Marquee Mall, and Ayala Center Cebu—closed earlier this year, while remaining stores offered steep discounts and clearance sales to reduce inventory.

SSI said it will work closely with employees and partners to ensure a responsible transition as operations wind down, with further details on promotions and customer advisories expected before the final closure date.

Founded in 1884 in Leeds, England, Marks & Spencer grew from a small market stall into one of the United Kingdom’s best-known retail chains. Today, the company operates around 1,100 stores worldwide and serves customers in more than 45 countries through both company-owned and franchise outlets.

The brand is particularly known for combining clothing, home goods, and premium food products under one roof—an unusual retail concept that helped define the modern department store in Britain. Its clothing ranges from classic workwear to casual basics, while its food division has gained a reputation for high-quality ready meals, baked goods, and specialty grocery items.

Globally, Marks & Spencer has been undergoing a major transformation in recent years as it adapts to the digital retail era. The company has been investing heavily in e-commerce and supply-chain improvements, aiming to significantly grow its online fashion business and strengthen omnichannel operations.

Financially, the retailer has shown signs of resilience despite challenges. Global revenue reached £13.8 billion for the year ending March 2025, driven largely by strong growth in its food division, which has become one of the company’s most profitable segments.

Still, the company has faced headwinds. A major cyberattack in 2025 disrupted online operations and contributed to a sharp drop in profits, while ongoing store restructuring in some markets reflects broader shifts in how customers shop.

The closure of Marks & Spencer’s Philippine operations underscores the increasingly competitive nature of the country’s retail sector. International brands now compete not only with traditional department stores but also with fast-fashion chains, e-commerce platforms, and local lifestyle labels.

For SSI, which manages a wide portfolio of global fashion and lifestyle brands in the Philippines, the move appears to be part of a broader strategy to realign its offerings with changing consumer behavior.

While the departure of Marks & Spencer may mark the end of a retail era for some Filipino shoppers, SSI emphasized that the decision reflects the need for businesses to evolve alongside the market.