M&S will open 150 Simply Food stores in the next three years as part of a plan to expand its food offering, the company has said.

M&S executive director of food Steve Rowe said: “We are confirming plans to extend our unique food offer to even more UK customers by opening c.150 new Simply Food stores in areas where we are currently significantly under represented.

“This franchise and owned expansion offers us an opportunity to continue to grow our customer base and business, building on the progress we have already made,” he added.