For nearly four decades, Marks & Spencer has been a familiar sight in Philippine malls, its iconic green-and-white bags clutched by shoppers during holidays, birthdays, and countless everyday occasions. But as the calendar inches toward May 2026, Filipino fans of the British retailer have found themselves at a crossroads, caught between nostalgia and uncertainty—will M&S truly disappear from their lives, or is there more to the story?
It all began with a wave of confusion and sadness when the SSI Group, the long-standing local franchise operator, announced it would be shuttering all Marks & Spencer stores in the Philippines by May 2, 2026. According to a statement from SSI management, "This has not been an easy decision. Building Marks & Spencer in the Philippines has been a meaningful and rewarding chapter for our organization. We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and partners who have supported the brand through the decades." (Source: Facebook update, February 25, 2026)
The news hit home for many Filipinos, sparking a flood of memories and tributes on social media. For Frederick Dela Cruz, the brand has been more than just a store. "For many of us, it's more than just a store—it represents quality, thoughtfulness, and class. Filipinos love giving gifts that feel premium yet practical, and M&S products especially their food items, chocolates, biscuits, and even clothing are perfect because they are unisex and suitable for almost anyone. Even the paper bags feel elegant, which adds to the excitement and pride of giving," Dela Cruz told Gulf News. The closure, he said, made him feel "genuinely sad," likening it to losing a small but meaningful part of Filipino holiday traditions.
Angelic Salen, a mother of two, echoed these sentiments, recalling how M&S became a reliable destination for thoughtful gifts and family needs. "M&S became woven into the culture of giving not just as a store, but as a place to find meaningful gifts. It's a go-to store for the holidays for many Filipinos," she shared. Her fondest memory? Sampling treats at the mall—simple pleasures that made each visit special. "Emotionally, the closure feels like losing a familiar part of the retail and holiday landscape. For many, it's bittersweet because we appreciate the memories and the role it played in celebrations and gift-giving."
For younger shoppers like Cedric Tabasondra, M&S has been synonymous with "pasalubong"—the cherished Filipino tradition of bringing home gifts for loved ones after a trip. "It has become part of the Filipino culture of giving by offering premium chocolates, biscuits, and hampers that are popularly chosen as elegant pasalubong and holiday gifts for family, friends, and business partners. Its reputation for quality have made M&S products popular during Christmas and special occasions, aligning with the country's tradition of generous and thoughtful gift-giving," Tabasondra explained. The idea of M&S closing, he said, was "sad" because of the brand's role in so many personal and family traditions.
But as the dust settled, a new chapter began to emerge. Contrary to initial fears, Marks & Spencer is not pulling out of the Philippines entirely. In a statement from its London head office on February 26, 2026, the company clarified, "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. Our contract with SSI will end in May 2026, we thank them for their partnership." The spokesperson added, "We remain committed to the Philippines and the growth opportunity in the region." (Source: Inquirer, Bloomberg)
This transition marks the end of a significant era. Marks & Spencer first opened its doors in the Philippines in the late 1980s, quickly gaining a reputation for British quality and heritage. Over the years, it became a staple in Filipino shopping culture, with its offerings of clothing, food, and lifestyle products catering to a wide range of tastes and occasions. The brand's presence grew under the stewardship of the Rustan’s Group of Companies, later acquired by SSI Group, and at its peak, M&S boasted more than 20 stores across the country.
However, shifting consumer preferences and evolving retail trends have taken their toll. According to SSI Group, the decision to exit was "necessary" given these changes. Recent months saw a wave of store closures—including prominent locations at TriNoma, Robinsons Manila, Marquee Mall, and Ayala Center Cebu—and deep discounting, with markdowns of up to 60 percent and buy-one-get-one offers as inventory was cleared. The M&S Philippines website now lists just 13 branches nationwide, down from its peak, and many remaining stores feature empty chillers and shelves stacked with identical products.
The closures have also sparked disappointment among customers who valued M&S for its extended size ranges, which are less commonly available in local stores. As one Reddit user lamented, "This was my mom’s favourite brand because she is on the heavy side, and they have big sizes. Although we only buy there during sales because they are pricey."
The shake-up in the Philippines comes as Marks & Spencer undertakes a broader "reset" of its international operations. In the UK, the retailer is reducing its number of full-line stores from 229 to 180, involving closures, relocations, and a renewed focus on food offerings. Mark Lemming, Managing Director for international markets at M&S, explained, "We’re focusing on bigger, better partnerships, which enable us to bring the best of M&S to the world. As we continue to progress with our strategy, I remain confident in the medium and long-term opportunity for M&S to drive global growth."
So what happens next for Filipino fans of Marks & Spencer? While SSI Group will cease operating M&S stores after May 2, 2026, the British retailer has promised to share updates on its future plans "in due course." The company’s statements have been clear: M&S is not leaving the Philippines, but rather preparing to relaunch under a new franchise partner, with the aim of building a "trusted global brand" and bringing "the best of M&S" to Filipino customers.
For now, the transition period is tinged with both melancholy and hope. As shoppers take advantage of clearance sales and reminisce about their favorite M&S moments, many are watching closely to see what form the brand’s next chapter will take. Will the new partnership recapture the magic that made M&S a beloved part of Filipino life for so long? Only time will tell, but the company’s commitment to the market offers a glimmer of optimism for fans who aren’t quite ready to say goodbye.
As the Philippine retail landscape evolves, one thing is certain: the story of Marks & Spencer in the country is far from over, and its legacy of quality, tradition, and thoughtful giving continues to resonate with generations of Filipino shoppers.