For many Filipino shoppers, the announced departure of British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is more than a business decision. It is the loss of a store tied to family routines, holiday traditions and personal milestones.
Stores Specialists Inc., which operates Marks and Spencer in the Philippines, said the brand will cease operations by May, with May 2 as its final day.
The company said it “has not been an easy decision,” adding that building the brand in the country “has been a meaningful and rewarding chapter” for their organization.
“We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and partners who have supported the brand through the decades,” SSI was quoted as saying.
SSI is the distributor of high-end brands like Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Cartier, Givenchy and Burberry in the country.
M&S has been in the Philippines for almost 40 years, bringing British quality fashion and heritage to the local market.
It offers a variety of items like fashion pieces for women, men, and kids, home and beauty care products, and food products.
The British retailer also offers premium-packaged food and wine, ideal for holiday gift-giving.
But online, longtime customers focused less on corporate statements and more on what they will miss.
A loss
“Hala, ano na pang regalo sa paskooo,” a Pinoy commented.
“Parang holidays na lang kasi sila mabenta. Mababawasan na naman option for x-mas gifts. Thank you, M&S,” another user wrote.
“Mom ko, ordinary bank employee nung 80s-90s pero madalas kami mamili sa M&S noon. Mami-miss ko ‘yung Mintoes, Opera pastries, mostly food. Gusto ko din before ‘yung body wash and lotions nila. May mga damit din ako from M&S na ginagamit ko pa now. Ngayon, super mahal na, kakalungkot,” said another Pinoy.
“Hala! I buy all my bras and my panties here,” commented a different user.
“Huhu, sa kanila lang ako bumibili ng bourbon biscuits,” said another user.
“My mom is a big fan of Marks and Spencer. She loves the clothes. Their pants are super good quality. No joke, she still has clothes from the brand bought 10-15 years ago. And they still hold up. Underwear too. Where will I buy underwear with the same quality? As a kid, I would hoard all the candy and chocolate. Going here makes me happy,” wrote a different Pinoy.
“Goodbye Almond cookies and tea cakes,” commented another user with a loudly-crying emoji.
“Ay, seryoso ba??? Sh*t paano na ‘yung granola ko?! Huhuhu,” exclaimed another Pinoy.
“Ma-miss ko ang mga candies and sultana cookies and mga biscuit. Ang dami kong memories,” commented a different user.
“Saan na ko bibili ng clothes? Huhuhu,” wrote another user.
“‘Yung cookies and pigtail gummies,” said a different Pinoy.
The management said that “retail is constantly transforming,” adding that “change is inevitable,” “tastes evolve and therefore, so should we.”
“We remain committed to the constant strengthening of our portfolio and delivering experiences that resonate with today’s consumers,” it added.
The M&S Philippines website still promotes 13 branches across the country, which includes outlets in Davao and Laguna.
In 2023, it was reported that M&S has a five-year plan in which “its estate of 247 stores would transition to 180 ‘full-line’ sites, and it would open more than 100 food sites.”
“By its 2025/26 financial year it aims to run 420 food stores across the UK,” The Guardian reported before.
“The company plans to broaden its franchise model by expanding its convenience store range beyond existing partners including BP, Moto, SSP and Costa,” it added.
