Marks & Spencer Philippines Is Closing Shop

After nearly 40 years in the Philippines, Marks & Spencer will close its local operations, marking the end of a long-running partnership that introduced generations of Filipino shoppers to British fashion staples and specialty food items.

In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) confirmed that it will cease operating Marks & Spencer stores in the country, with the final day of operations set for 2 May 2026. The company described the move as a strategic decision amid shifting consumer trends and the evolving retail environment.

"This has not been an easy decision," SSI management said in the statement. "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."

SSI added that it is necessary to focus resources on brands that align with current and future consumer demands. "Retail is constantly transforming. Change is inevitable, tastes evolve, and therefore so should we," management said.

Marks & Spencer first entered the Philippine market in the late 1980s, bringing its mix of British apparel, lingerie, beauty items, and premium packaged food products to local malls. The brand’s operations were handled by Rustan Marketing Specialists Inc., part of the Rustan’s Group, which later became integrated into the SSI Group. At its peak, the retailer operated more than 20 stores nationwide, many of them located in major shopping centers in Metro Manila and provincial cities.

In recent months, however, signs of a gradual wind-down had become apparent. Several locations—including branches in TriNoma, Robinsons Manila, Marquee Mall, and Ayala Center Cebu—closed earlier this year, while remaining stores offered steep discounts and clearance sales to reduce inventory.

SSI said it will work closely with employees and partners to ensure a responsible transition as operations wind down, with further details on promotions and customer advisories expected before the final closure date.

The closure of Marks & Spencer’s Philippine operations underscores the increasingly competitive nature of the country’s retail sector. International brands now compete not only with traditional department stores but also with fast-fashion chains, e-commerce platforms, and local lifestyle labels.

For SSI, which manages a wide portfolio of global fashion and lifestyle brands in the Philippines, the move appears to be part of a broader strategy to realign its offerings with changing consumer behavior. While the departure of Marks & Spencer may mark the end of a retail era for some Filipino shoppers, SSI emphasized that the decision reflects the need for businesses to evolve alongside the market.