Marks & Spencer Isn't Leaving the Philippines After All — British Retailer Finds New Partner After SSI Breakup

Good news for M&S fans — Marks & Spencer has confirmed it is NOT leaving the Philippines. Despite SSI Group announcing that it will close all 13 M&S stores by May 2, 2026, the British retailer says it has already found a new franchise partner to keep the brand alive in the country.

An M&S UK spokesperson told GMA News Online that the company 'remains committed to the Philippines and the growth opportunity in the region.' They said M&S 'decided to transition to a new franchise partner to support our ambitious growth plans in the region,' though the identity of the new partner has not yet been revealed.

SSI Group, which has held the M&S franchise for over 20 years, confirmed in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that the final day of operations under their partnership would be May 2, 2026. SSI described the decision as one that 'has not been easy' and thanked loyal customers and employees.

M&S currently operates 13 branches nationwide, with its flagship store at Central Square in Bonifacio Global City. The brand is known for its clothing, home goods, and specialty food items — particularly its Percy Pig sweets and luxury ready meals that have built a cult following among Filipino shoppers.

For SSI Group, losing M&S is significant but far from devastating — the company still carries a portfolio of major brands including Hermes, Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Zara, and Alo. The transition period between the old and new M&S franchise arrangements remains unclear, and shoppers may experience a gap in availability between May and whenever the new partner opens up shop.

Source: GMA News / Inside Retail Asia