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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider M&S confirms official return to Philippines later this year

M&S confirms official return to Philippines later this year

Published Jun 8, 2026 07:34 pm
Marks & Spencer (M&S) Group has signed a new franchise agreement in the Philippines with Indonesian lifestyle retailer PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk, shifting its local strategy to a centralized regional model just months after the exit by its longtime local operator.
In a statement, M&S reported that the London-listed retailer will relaunch its fashion, home, beauty, and food lines in the country by the end of 2026, which will be managed by Universal Fashion Philippines Inc. (UFPI)
The partnership with UFPI follows the conclusion of a nearly 40-year partnership with the Tantoco-led SSI Group Inc., which closed all domestic M&S branches on May 2.
Rather than withdrawing from the consumer market, the British retail anchor is doubling down on “capital-light” corporate strategy. By consolidating its Southeast Asian operations under MAP Group—which has managed the M&S franchise in Indonesia and Vietnam for more than 26 years—the firm aims to tap existing infrastructure to scale its digital and brick-and-mortar presence more efficiently.
The financial terms of the multi-year transaction were not disclosed.
MAP Group’s first physical store under the new arrangement is scheduled to open before the end of December at the Glorietta mall in Makati City, alongside a synchronized launch of its e-commerce platforms.
“We know there is strong demand for the M&S brand in the Philippines, and we are excited to reopen our stores and online channels later this year,” said Mark Lemming, Managing Director of M&S International.
He added that MAP’s regional expertise provides the company with optimal positioning to accelerate its expansion across Southeast Asia.
As of March 2026, MAP operates more than 4,000 retail venues in 80 Indonesian cities, administering a consumer portfolio of over 150 international brands.
“Taking over the M&S business in the Philippines marks an important milestone for MAP Fashion,” said Sameer Prasad, Chief Executive Officer of MAP Fashion. “The Philippines is an exciting and fast-growing market, and Manila is the ideal place to begin this next chapter.”
MAP Group has steadily expanded its operations in the Philippines through separate specialized entities, including the Apple-authorized reseller Digimap, operated under Mapple Philippines Inc., as well as the recently launched retail network for the American apparel brand Abercrombie & Fitch and its subsidiary Hollister.

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