Quick Read
- M&S proposes a new 2,300 sq m Food Hall in Colne, Lancashire, expected to create up to 70 jobs and open by Autumn 2027.
- The retailer commits to paying Fairtrade Premium and an additional two-year investment for Ivory Coast cocoa farmers, partnering with Yeyasso co-operative.
- M&S’s satin lightweight funnel neck bomber jacket is trending on social media for Spring 2026 fashion.
- A striking M&S patchwork cushion is highlighted as a key homeware trend for Spring 2026, offering a modern take on a heritage style.
LONDON (Azat TV) – Marks & Spencer (M&S) is making headlines across various sectors, from proposed new retail expansions in Lancashire to significant ethical sourcing commitments for cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast, while simultaneously influencing Spring 2026 fashion and home decor trends. This multi-pronged activity underscores the retailer’s dynamic efforts to broaden its market presence and reinforce its brand values.
The iconic British retailer is navigating a complex retail landscape by focusing on strategic growth, corporate social responsibility, and maintaining its reputation as a trendsetter in consumer goods. These initiatives reflect M&S’s comprehensive approach to staying relevant and competitive in 2026.
M&S Plans New Food Hall in Lancashire
Marks & Spencer, in partnership with Monte Blackburn Ltd, the property arm of the Issa brothers, has unveiled plans for a new 2,300 sq m (7,545 sq ft) Food Hall in Colne, Lancashire. The proposed development is slated for a site adjacent to the EG On The Move services at the M65 motorway’s terminus, according to the BBC.
The project is currently undergoing a public consultation, soliciting feedback from local residents and businesses before a formal planning application is submitted to Pendle Council. If granted permission, the new Food Hall is expected to create up to 70 new jobs, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Construction could commence in late 2026, with an anticipated opening in Autumn 2027.
The proposed store will feature eco-friendly designs, including EV charging points, accessible bays, secure cycle parking, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, solar PV panels, and biodiversity enhancements. Marks & Spencer has stated its commitment to supporting British farming and plans to collaborate with Lancashire-based suppliers, further strengthening regional economic resilience. This new proposal is distinct from another £10 million M&S food hall scheme on Frontier Park, which faces a High Court hearing following a legal challenge from supermarket rival Tesco, backed by Blackburn with Darwen Council.
M&S Boosts Ethical Cocoa Sourcing in Ivory Coast
In a significant move towards enhanced corporate social responsibility, Marks & Spencer has committed to paying Fairtrade Premium pricing for Ivory Coast cocoa. This initiative aims to support fairer incomes for cocoa farmers, as detailed by The Grocer. The Fairtrade Premium is an additional payment, beyond the Fairtrade minimum price, directly allocated to farmers to fund community resilience projects, such as building new schools.
Beyond the Fairtrade Premium, M&S has pledged an additional two-year investment in collaboration with the Ivory Coast farming co-operative Yeyasso. This extra funding is designed to assist farmers in proactively planning for the impacts of climate change on crop yields, thereby safeguarding the future of cocoa cultivation for generations to come.
Lucinda Langton, M&S Food head of sustainability, emphasized the company’s belief in fair pay across its supply chain. She noted that cocoa farmers face pressure to adapt to changing environments and growing demand for quality produce, making this increased commitment to ethical sourcing vital. Kerrina Thorogood, Fairtrade Foundation partnerships director, expressed gratitude for M&S’s continued support and pioneering initiatives, highlighting their importance in building resilient and sustainable food systems. M&S’s ‘Choc Marks’ bars will feature cocoa farmer Diomandé Léontine, one of 30 members of the Yeyasso co-operative, on the inside of the packaging.
Marks & Spencer Drives Spring 2026 Fashion and Homeware Trends
Marks & Spencer is also capturing consumer attention with its Spring 2026 fashion and homeware collections, demonstrating its influence on current trends. According to Who What Wear UK, M&S jackets are among the ‘expensive-looking’ high-street options trending for the season. The M&S satin lightweight funnel neck bomber jacket, in particular, is noted for ‘blowing up on social media’ and is expected to sell out quickly. Other popular M&S outerwear pieces include a cotton rich bomber jacket, a denim relaxed bomber jacket, a pure cotton faux leather collared barn jacket, and a suedette harrington jacket, identified by Junior Fashion Editor Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki as key investment buys for the transitional weather.
In homeware, M&S is spearheading a ‘patchwork revival’ for Spring 2026, offering a contemporary take on a heritage style. Country Living UK highlighted a striking M&S patchwork cushion, crafted with velvety panels in warm coral, blush pink, and mustard, forming a geometric star motif. This cushion, reduced from £25 to £12.50, is praised for its ability to add warmth and pattern to a room without a full decorative overhaul, echoing the thrifty roots of patchwork while delivering modern appeal. The design is described as both traditional and fresh, with a palette reminiscent of spring landscapes.
Marks & Spencer’s current activities illustrate a strategic balance between expanding its physical presence, reinforcing ethical supply chains, and maintaining its relevance in consumer trends. By addressing both commercial growth and social responsibility, M&S aims to secure a robust position in the evolving retail market and resonate with a consumer base increasingly focused on value, ethics, and style.