Boris Johnson’s decision to order the closure of all non-essential shops on Monday, March 23, has forced M&S to close all its outlet stores that sell clothing and homeware only. But shops serving food are operating as usual for now. Here are the new provisions in place.
When are M&S stores opening and closing?
All M&S stores that sell food, including full line stores, will remain open for now.
Stores that sell clothing, homeware, beauty products and food will remain open for food sales only.
While all M&S outlet stores that sell clothing and homeware only are now closed.
M&S has more than 1,000 stores in the UK.
You can find your nearest store and check opening times on the “find a store” page on their website.
Opening hours vary between 6am and 9am and closing times vary from 8pm to 10pm on weekdays.
M&S has special dedicated shopping hours for the elderly, NHS staff and emergency service workers.
The first hour of trade has been set aside for the over 70s and vulnerable customers on Mondays and Thursdays, and NHS staff and emergency workers have priority on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Vulnerable customers include those with long-term health conditions, weakened immune systems and pregnant women.
This doesn’t include franchise stores in petrol and railway stations, according to the M&S website.
Like all supermarket chains, M&S has closed its in-store cafes and has also suspended its food to order service.
When is the best time to shop there?
Google has a tracker which allows you to see when the peak times are.
If you search for “M&S” or “Marks and Spencers” and then click on your nearest store, it will show a bar chart of when the store’s busiest times are.
What should I buy when I’m there?
The government and supermarkets have urged shoppers not to panic buy or stockpile and have repeatedly said there is “enough food for everyone”.
We have compiled a list of what you need for two weeks now that Boris Johnson has told Brits to shop as infrequently as possible.
Is there a limit on items?
Yes, the store has rationed its hand sanitisers and antibacterial products.
It has now placed limits of two items per person across all of its grocery division.
Can I order online?
M&S online ordering service and home delivery for clothing, homeware, flowers, hampers and wine is continuing as normal.
They are now offering a contact-free service for all deliveries, meaning no hand-to-hand contact.
M&S is yet to launch a grocery delivery service and its made-to-order food deliveries have been temporarily suspended.