M&S signs franchise deal to relaunch in the Philippines

Marks & Spencer has signed a new franchise agreement in the Philippines with PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), working through MAP subsidiary Universal Fashion Philippines Inc, to relaunch its fashion, home, beauty and food offer in the market later this year. The first store under the new partnership is set to open in Glorietta, Manila.

M&S has traded in the Philippines since 1984. In February, previous franchise partner SSI Group announced it would cease operating M&S stores, with the final day of trading on 2 May 2026. The closure prompted speculation that M&S might withdraw from the market entirely, but the UK retailer clarified within days that it would stay and appoint a new partner.

"After over 20 years of partnership with the SSI Group, we have made the decision to transition to a new franchise partner to support our ambitious growth plans in the region," an M&S spokesperson said at the time.

"Our contract with SSI will end in May 2026, we thank them for their partnership."

MAP already operates M&S franchise businesses in Indonesia and Vietnam, where it has worked with the retailer for more than 26 years. The Philippine deal extends that relationship into a third Southeast Asian market.

Mark Lemming, M&S International Managing Director, said: "Having played a pivotal role in driving our growth in Indonesia, MAP's deep local expertise gives us confidence as we accelerate our growth plans in Southeast Asia."

Lemming said there was "strong demand for the M&S brand in the Philippines" and that the company was "excited to reopen our stores and online channels later this year."

M&S said the deal reflected its ambition to strengthen its international business by drawing on the market knowledge and operational capability of established franchise operators, rather than running stores directly.

The agreement covers both physical retail and online channels, signalling a full-market relaunch rather than a limited return.