M&S is investing £30m in its sites across Scotland, with more than five new store openings and expansions planned over the next 18 months.
The retailer plans to open new and expanded stores in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Largs and Linlithgow, supporting over 6,500 jobs across the country.
The plans, which are one of the biggest private sector investments in Aberdeen for years, include £15m invested in M&S Aberdeen Union Square, with the store almost doubling in size.
Works on the Aberdeen Union Square site are due to be completed by spring 2025, which will make it the fourth biggest M&S in Scotland.
The retail giant will then close its St Nicholas Street store in Aberdeen city centre, with all staff on permanent contracts transferring over to the Aberdeen Union Square store or other nearby shops next year.
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M&S operations director Sacha Berendji said the investment would transform shopping experience, and bring “bigger, better, fresh-market style foodhalls” and access to more “inspiringly presented clothing, home and beauty” range.
“Our investment in Scotland goes beyond new stores with M&S sourcing more Scottish produce than ever before, through strong partnerships with local producers,” he added.
The retailer’s North East regional manager Rachel Rankine said: “The scale of our investment is a vote of confidence in the future of retail in Aberdeen city centre, with a flagship store on the same scale as city centre stores in Birmingham and Liverpool.
“Where we have already invested in new formats, our customers have responded to the destination shopping experience and Aberdeen shoppers can look forward to having a bigger, better, fresher food hall and the best in M&S clothing and home.”
The new shops mean M&S will have over 15 stores across Scotland in its renewal format.
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