Marks & Spencer has announced plans to step up its international expansion, including opening 250 new stores, growing its food business and increasing its franchise operations.

In a series of presentations from the senior M&S team and Al-Futtaim, one of M&S’s key franchise partners, M&S revealed that, over the next three years it will concentrate on growing International revenues by 25% and International profits by 40%.

M&S said that it will achieve this by focusing on four key areas. It will grow its presence in existing markets and drive business in its priority markets of India, China, Russia, the Middle East and Western Europe. The company will also expand internationally with a ‘bricks & clicks’ approach by establishing flagship stores in key cities supported M&S Food stores and a full online offer.

Marc Bolland, M&S’s chief executive, said: “Our strategy of becoming an International, Multi-channel retailer is more relevant than ever before because of the strong growth potential of International markets. We are focusing on Flagship stores to deliver brand presence and stand-out. We also see great opportunities in fresh Food and Lingerie & Beauty concepts.”

Steve Rowe, M&S Executive director of food, said: “M&S Food is in much demand globally. From toasted crumpets in The Hague to red wine in China, our international customers are very quick to tell us what their favourite M&S products are. This is why expanding our fresh food offer presents us with a strong growth opportunity.

“We’re putting M&S Food on the map over the next five years. Western Europe is our focus and finding the right partners and locations is vital to the success of our plan to have the optimal Food store portfolio in this time.”