Turns Out, Marks & Spencer is Not Leaving the Philippines Just Yet

British retailer Marks & Spencer will continue operating in the Philippines despite the planned closure of its current stores under local partner SSI Group.

The clarification comes after SSI Group announced Wednesday (February 25) in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that its subsidiary, Stores Specialists Inc., would cease operating Marks & Spencer stores in the Philippines, with the final day of operations set for May 2, 2026.

However, in a statement emailed to Esquire Philippines from the Marks & Spencer headquarters in the United Kingdom, the company confirmed that it remains committed to the Philippines and is actively preparing for the next phase of its operations in the country.

“Our objective is to build a trusted global brand by bringing the best of M&S to customers around the world," a spokesperson for the company said. "We remain committed to the Philippines and the growth opportunity in the region."

The retailer explained that its long-standing partnership with SSI Group is coming to an end as part of a strategic shift aimed at accelerating growth in Southeast Asia.

“After over 20 years of partnership with the SSI Group, we have made the decision to transition to a new franchise partner to support our ambitious growth plans in the region,” the spokesperson added. “Our contract with SSI will end in May 2026, and we thank them for their partnership.”

The company has yet to announce its new Philippine franchise partner but said it would provide updates on its plans in due course.

The British brand first entered the Philippine market in the late 1980s through SSI Group, one of the country’s largest luxury and lifestyle retail operators. Under SSI’s stewardship, Marks & Spencer built a loyal following among Filipino shoppers for its British-designed apparel, lingerie, and food products.

SSI itself acknowledged the significance of the partnership in its earlier statement, describing the brand as an important part of the Philippine retail landscape for nearly 40 years.

Globally, Marks & Spencer has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years. The retailer, which was founded in 1884 and headquartered in London, has been modernizing its store network, strengthening its food business, and expanding internationally through franchise partnerships. The strategy has focused on growing the brand’s presence in markets across Asia and the Middle East, where demand for premium British retail brands remains strong.

The company has also been investing heavily in digital retail and supply chain improvements, part of a broader turnaround strategy aimed at making the brand more competitive in a rapidly evolving global retail environment.