Marks & Spencer announces shop closure as it leaves high street after 50 years

Marks & Spencer has announced plans to close its Maidenhead town centre store and open a new, market-style foodhall at the Stafferton Way Retail Park. The retailer has been part of the Maidenhead community for more than 50 years, operating from its site on 60 High Street. The existing two-floor store currently offers clothing, accessories, and a foodhall.

The company has revealed it is planning to create a new 16,000 square-foot fresh market-style foodhall at the former Homebase site at the retail park in Stafferton Way. The relocation from the existing store is planned for mid-2026 in the summer. According to the retailer, the store would be "one of the most modern in the UK", part of M&S' plan to open more than 100 new and larger food locations across the country.

Rachel Cranwell, regional manager at M&S, said: "We are excited to share this significant investment in Maidenhead.

"Our new showstopping foodhall will be the first M&S store in renewal format across Berkshire since 2022 and will showcase the very best of M&S Food.

"Not only will it offer the unbeatable M&S quality and trusted value we're known for, but also deliver the best possible shopping experience for our customers and, of course, a touch of that famous M&S magic.

"We have a long history of serving the community here in Maidenhead and our priority has been securing a sustainable future for M&S - this investment will allow us to do just that."

The new store will include an in-store bakery and coffee counter offering a variety of fresh breads and pastries. Shoppers will also find an expanded selection of fresh produce and market-style specials from M&S Select Farm partners, along with dedicated flower and wine sections.

In addition, the store will showcase the latest innovative products and feature a convenient Click & Collect point for online orders across home, fashion, and beauty ranges.