MARKS and Spencer is looking to open a host of new Dorset stores in the coming years.

The firm, known to many as M&S, has unveiled a wish list of around 500 locations for new Food outlets – including a number in the county.

Spots in Dorset targeted by the chain are: Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Ferndown, and North Dorchester.
In Wiltshire, stores are desired in Chippenham, Devizes, Marlborough, Trowbridge, and Warminster, while in Hampshire, the list includes Ringwood.

Somerset could see stores in Bath, Bridgwater, Clevedon, Frome, Ilminster, Portishead, Radstock/Midsomer Norton, Wellington, Wells, Weston-super-Mare, and Winscombe.

The firm is keen to hear from people with suitable sites for stores measuring between 10,000 and 18,000 sq ft, with new-builds or conversions considered.

M&S said 20 stores are opening before the end of the financial year, creating 800 new jobs, with more planned for the coming years, offering an “extended range of M&S Food, wider aisles for bigger shopping trolleys and larger car parks”.

Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said: “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth.

“With more than 20 stores opening or modernised before the end of the financial year, we are moving faster.

“Our team want new sites where we could open a large M&S Food store as we deliver on our strategy to bring the right stores to the right places and offer the best shopping experience, range and availability for our customers.”