M&S has launched a new list of target locations around the UK it is considering for new and renewed food stores.

The retailer previously announced its acquisition of 12 Homebase sites which are set to become some of the largest M&S standalone food stores in the UK.

In addition, 20 new or renewed M&S stores are opening between November and March. In total, M&S wants to expand its portfolio to 180 mixed stores and 420 food stores.

As part of its major expansion plans, M&S has released a list of 500 ‘wish list’ locations where it intends to either open new stores or refurbish existing ones. The retailer is particularly looking for large sites that could stock the full range of M&S Food, growing the target size of its food stores to an average of 18,000sqft.

Both Kenilworth and Balsall Common have been shortlisted as possible sites for new food stores this year, as well as Great Barr and Quinton in Birmingham