Marks & Spencer names partner in Asian franchise deal

Marks & Spencer has signed a partnership with PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), which already operates the M&S franchise in Indonesia and Vietnam, to extend its presence there.

M&S has 10 franchised shops in the Philippines at the moment, and has traded there for more than two decades. The retailer said it has “ambitious growth plans in the region” and the first new branch run by MAP will be open by the end of the year.

M&S international managing director Mark Lemming said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with MAP into the Philippines. 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.”

MAP Fashion chief executive Sameer Prasad said: “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. We look forward to strengthening the brand’s presence in the market and delivering an elevated retail experience for Filipino customers.”

M&S has been consolidating the number of international partners it works with as it seeks “to build a trusted global brand through capital‑light partnerships that leverage the expertise and infrastructure of strategic franchise partners in established markets”.

MAP operates more than 4,000 stores including Boots, Foot Locker, Krispy Kreme and Zara, in approximately 80 Indonesian cities.