MANILA, Philippines — British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) will end its retail operations in the Philippines, with the last day of store activity set for May 2, 2026, the company confirmed.

M&S, known for its clothing, food, and home products, has been a fixture in Philippine malls for decades through its local franchise partnership with Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) under the Rustan Marketing Specialists, Inc. banner.

In a company statement, SSI expressed appreciation for the long-standing support of Filipino customers and reiterated its commitment to work with staff, partners, and stakeholders throughout the transition period.

A Longstanding British Brand in the Philippines

Marks & Spencer traces its origins to 1884 in England and grew into a global retailer with hundreds of stores worldwide. Its Philippine operations formally began in the late 20th century through franchise arrangements, establishing standalone shops and shop-in-shop locations across major cities.

At its peak in the Philippines, M&S operated numerous outlets in Metro Manila and key provincial locations, offering apparel, accessories, food products, and other lifestyle items. The brand celebrated over 20 years of presence in the Philippine retail market, marking milestones such as flagship openings and expanded store networks.

Retail Industry Pressures

The decision to close aligns with broader strategic shifts by international retailers addressing evolving consumer behavior, increased e-commerce adoption, and competitive pressures in the global and local retail landscape. Reviews from company filings indicate that M&S has been adjusting its global store footprint in recent years as part of restructuring efforts.

For Filipino shoppers, the closure of M&S stores marks the end of a notable chapter for a brand that has become synonymous with quality British fashion and food selections in local malls. Details on store wind-down schedules and transition support for employees are expected in the coming weeks.