British retailer expands relationship with Southeast Asian retail giant as it prepares to relaunch stores and online operations in the Philippines
British retailer Marks & Spencer has announced a new franchise partnership in the Philippines with PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), marking a significant new chapter for the brand’s operations in the country and ending months of speculation surrounding its future in the market. The agreement follows M&S’s earlier decision to transition away from long-time local franchise partner SSI Group, whose contract expires in May 2026.
The announcement confirms that M&S is not exiting the Philippines. Instead, the retailer is strengthening its presence through an expanded partnership with MAP, one of Southeast Asia’s largest lifestyle retailers, as part of its broader international growth strategy.
The move is particularly significant given M&S’s long history in the Philippines. The retailer has operated in the country since 1984, giving it a 42-year presence in the market and making it one of the longest-established international retail brands in the Philippines. Earlier this year, reports of SSI Group’s planned closure of M&S stores led to concerns that the British retailer was leaving the country altogether. M&S subsequently clarified that it remained committed to the Philippines and was actively seeking a new franchise partner.
The new partnership is not a new relationship. MAP has operated M&S franchises in Indonesia and Vietnam for more than 26 years, helping drive growth and brand expansion across both markets. The Philippines will now become part of M&S’s wider Southeast Asian partnership with the Indonesian retail giant.
According to M&S, the arrangement aligns with its strategy of building a trusted global brand through capital-light franchise partnerships and working with fewer, larger strategic partners that possess strong local market expertise and infrastructure.
Under the new agreement, M&S will relaunch its Fashion, Home, Beauty and Food businesses in the Philippines later this year. The retailer has confirmed that its first store under the new partnership will open at Glorietta in Manila, while online sales channels will also return as part of the relaunch.
Mark Lemming, Managing Director of M&S International, said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with MAP into the Philippines.” He added that MAP’s deep local expertise and successful track record in Indonesia provide confidence as M&S accelerates its Southeast Asian growth ambitions and responds to strong consumer demand in the Philippines. The executive also confirmed that stores and online channels will reopen later this year.
Sameer Prasad, CEO of MAP Fashion, described the agreement as an important milestone for the company. “We are thrilled to bring M&S to the Philippines.” Prasad said the takeover reflects MAP’s commitment to growing iconic international brands across Southeast Asia and highlighted the Philippines as a fast-growing retail market. He also pointed to M&S’s strong heritage, trusted quality and enduring appeal among consumers across generations.
MAP is among the largest retail operators in Southeast Asia, managing more than 150 international brands across fashion, food and lifestyle categories. By extending its relationship with MAP into the Philippines, M&S is effectively consolidating its regional operations under a trusted partner with extensive experience operating the brand.
The agreement signals that rather than withdrawing from the Philippines, M&S is embarking on a new growth phase, one that combines a 42-year heritage in the country with a proven regional franchise partner and an expanded omnichannel strategy.
