Marks & Spencer Reopens in PH, Taps Indonesian Retail Giant PT Mitra Adiperkasa

BY THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF

British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is set to reopen in the Philippines under a new franchise partnership with Indonesia-based PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), according to a company media update sent to THEPHILBIZNEWS.

The move signals renewed confidence in the Philippine retail sector and underscores the country’s attractiveness as a growth market for international brands seeking to expand across Southeast Asia.

Under the new arrangement, M&S will bring back its Fashion, Home & Beauty, and Food businesses to Filipino consumers, with the first store under the MAP partnership scheduled to open at Glorietta in Makati before the end of the year. The retailer also plans to relaunch its online channels as part of its expansion strategy.

M&S said the partnership aligns with its international growth model, which focuses on building a trusted global brand through capital-light franchise arrangements with established local operators.

MAP, one of Southeast Asia’s largest lifestyle retailers, has managed M&S operations in Indonesia and Vietnam for more than 26 years. The company has helped drive growth for the British retailer in both markets and is now expanding that relationship into the Philippines.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with MAP into the Philippines,” said Mark Lemming, Managing Director of M&S International.

“Having played a pivotal role in driving our growth in Indonesia, MAP’s deep local expertise gives us confidence as we accelerate our growth plans in Southeast Asia. We know there is strong demand for the M&S brand in the Philippines, and we’re excited to reopen our stores and online channels later this year.”

M&S has maintained a presence in the Philippines since 1984, making it one of the longest-established international retail brands in the country. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to transition to a new franchise partner to support its long-term growth ambitions in the region.

For MAP, the agreement marks another milestone in its strategy of expanding globally recognized brands across Southeast Asia.

“We are thrilled to bring M&S to the Philippines,” said Sameer Prasad, Chief Executive Officer of MAP Fashion.

“Taking over the M&S business in the Philippines marks an important milestone for MAP Fashion and reflects our commitment to growing iconic global brands across Southeast Asia. The Philippines is an exciting and fast-growing market, and Manila is the ideal place to begin this next chapter for M&S.”

Prasad said M&S continues to resonate with consumers across generations because of its strong heritage, trusted quality, and timeless appeal, adding that the company looks forward to strengthening the brand’s presence and delivering an enhanced shopping experience for Filipino customers.

MAP currently manages a portfolio of more than 150 international brands and operates over 4,000 retail stores across more than 80 cities in Indonesia. Its brands span fashion, beauty, sports, food and beverage, technology, and lifestyle segments.

The Philippine expansion of M&S highlights the growing confidence of regional retailers and investors in the country’s consumer-driven economy, which continues to attract international brands looking to tap into rising household spending and a young, expanding market.