“Digestive cookies marked safe.”
Filipinos expressed relief after it was clarified that Marks and Spencer (M&S) will not be leaving the Philippines, following earlier reports of a possible closure.
The Tantoco family-led speciality retailer SSI Group, M&S’s franchise partner in the Philippines, had previously said it would shut down all of its M&S stores by May, specifically noting May 2 as the final day.
The announcement disappointed Filipinos who have long appreciated the British retail brand for its apparel and food products, which are popular for holiday gift-giving.
Many shared that they would miss items such as chocolate digestives, teacakes and other specialty cookies, as well as the retailer’s quality fashion pieces .
The brand has been sharing British fashion and heritage with Filipinos for nearly 40 years.
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However, an email from a spokesperson at M&S’s head office in London reportedly said that the British retailer has decided “to transition to a new franchise partner” to support its growth plans in the region.
“We remain committed to the Philippines and the growth opportunity in the region,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying in a report.
The British brand said that its contract with SSI will end in May 2026 and that it would share updates on its growth plans “in due course.”
SSI is the distributor of high-end brands such as Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Cartier, Givenchy, Salvatore Ferragamo and Burberry in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the development was welcomed by Filipino patrons, who expressed relief that M&S will remain in the local market.
“Yey! Long live digestives!” an online user commented.
“Yesssss, may biscuits and cookies pa rin!” another said.
“Digestive biscuits [saved]!” a different Pinoy wrote.
“Good quality clothing materials at maraming size options, kaya structured ang fit at silhouette. Good investment and value for money. Sana ma maintain nila the same type of quality merchandise; and have more, much better selections,” another said.
“Digestives marked safe!” a different Pinoy commented.
“My suking tindahan where I bought my snacks and undies,” another said.
“May knickers pa rin tayo, yay!” another commented, tagging a Facebook friend.
“From pants, to tops, to undies. Sulit talaga sa ganda ng quality,” another Pinoy said.
M&S, which first entered the country in the late 1980s, offers apparel for women, men and children, as well as home and beauty care products.
The retailer also carries a wide selection of foods and snacks, including premium-packaged items and wine ideal for gifting.
Some of its famous food products are Milk Chocolate Digestives, All Butter Cookies and Milk Chocolate Rounds, among others.
