The new M&S Godalming food store opening at The Wharf Retail Park on July 16, 2026, marks the launch of the brand’s largest-ever standalone Foodhall.
Spanning 22,000 square feet, this purpose-built site replaces the former Homebase and offers local residents an expansive range of fresh produce, family groceries, and unique specialty counters.
Key Takeaways
- The M&S Godalming Foodhall officially opened on July 16, 2026, at The Wharf Retail Park, Woolsack Way, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1DR.
- At 22,000 square feet, this site is officially the largest standalone M&S Foodhall in the company’s current retail estate portfolio.
- Standard operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for all visiting local shoppers.
- The store features dedicated service counters including a rotisserie chicken shop, Mai Sushi, an enhanced cheese barge, and a new kitchenware shop.
When is the M&S Godalming food store opening?
The M&S Godalming food store is now officially open and fully operational from July 16, 2026. This launch represents a significant infrastructure investment by the retailer to modernise its estate and provide a comprehensive, family-focused shopping environment within the heart of Surrey.
M&S Godalming food store opening Hours and Visitor Information
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The store is situated in a purpose-built facility that formerly housed a Homebase.
- Address: Unit 1, The Wharf Retail Park, Woolsack Way, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1DR.
- Parking: The site offers 170 parking spaces, including dedicated bays for Blue Badge holders and parents with children.
Truth Regarding the Godalming Store
Unlike smaller Simply Food branches often found in transit hubs or town centres, this site is a full-format Foodhall. It is strategically positioned to serve the weekly grocery needs of local families.
This represents a shift from the convenience-only model to a complete, destination supermarket experience.
What are the new in-store highlights?
The Godalming store features a next-generation layout designed to make shopping easier and more efficient. Key highlights include:
- Market-Style Fresh Produce: Expanded areas for fruits, vegetables, and herbs, now organized into specific multi-temperature zones.
- Specialty Food Counters: A dedicated hot rotisserie chicken shop, a Mai Sushi station, and an enhanced cheese barge.
- Expanded In-Store Bakery: A larger-than-average bakery that includes an integrated coffee counter for refreshments.
- Kitchen Shop: A brand-new section dedicated to essential homeware, including high-quality pots, pans, and cooking utensils—a first for an M&S Foodhall.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: The store includes practical touches like mini-trolleys for children to help make the weekly shop more manageable for parents.
Service and Layout Comparison
| Feature | Traditional M&S Foodhall | New Godalming Foodhall |
| Total Size | Variable (Small/Medium) | 22,000 sq ft (Largest Ever) |
| Kitchenware | Not typically available | Dedicated kitchen shop aisle |
| Sushi Counter | Selected locations only | Included as standard |
| Target Intent | Quick top-up shop | Full weekly family shop |
How Does the M&S Godalming Store Support Local Families?
The store is designed specifically for the weekly shop, incorporating Remarksable Value lines to compete directly with other major supermarkets. Management has implemented family-friendly infrastructure, such as mini-trolleys for children, to make the shopping trip more manageable for parents.
Steps for an Efficient First Visit
- Plan your route: Access the site via Woolsack Way at The Wharf Retail Park.
- Utilise parking: Use the 170 available parking spaces, which include dedicated parent-and-child and Blue Badge bays.
- Check the layout: Locate the fresh produce section at the front of the store, designed for immediate access.
- Browse specialty zones: Visit the cheese barge and sushi counters early, as these are popular highlights.
- Try the bakery: Use the coffee counter within the bakery for a break during your shop.
- Explore the kitchen shop: Check the new homeware section for essential kitchen utensils.
In practice, arriving early or mid-week can help avoid peak congestion during the store’s initial launch period, as local interest remains high.
What is an M&S Godalming food store opening Remarksable Value?
The Remarksable Value initiative is M&S’s strategy to provide everyday essential products at competitive prices without sacrificing the retailer’s core standards.
- Benchmarked Pricing: Products in this range are specifically benchmarked against competitor prices to ensure they are affordable for everyday family shopping.
- Maintained Standards: Despite the competitive pricing, these items continue to meet M&S’s high expectations for quality, responsible sourcing, ingredients, and animal welfare.
- Expanded Range: To coincide with this launch, M&S has expanded its Remarksable Value range to 175 products across key categories like dairy, grocery, and meat to support households with their full weekly shop.
What were the Opening celebrations and offers?
To mark the launch, the store hosted special opening-day activities to welcome the local community:
- Special Giveaways: First customers received exclusive Godalming M&S tote bags.
- In-Store Atmosphere: The opening day featured festive elements, including a giant inflatable Percy Pig positioned outside the store.
- Ongoing Value: While specific one-off discount vouchers were not the primary focus of the launch, the store is highlighting its permanent Remarksable Value range, which has been expanded to 175 everyday staples benchmarked against competitor prices to provide long-term value for families.
Conclusion
The opening of the M&S Godalming Foodhall provides a significant new option for residents to conduct their weekly grocery shopping.
With its vast size, family-friendly features, and wide product range, the store at The Wharf Retail Park is clearly positioned to be a community staple. Shoppers are encouraged to visit during non-peak hours to fully experience the new layout and specialty counters.
Disclaimer: Store hours and services are subject to change; please verify the latest information via the official Marks & Spencer website before visiting.
FAQ
Is the M&S Godalming food store open now?
Yes, the store officially opened on July 16, 2026, and is currently welcoming shoppers during its standard trading hours.
Where exactly is the new store located?
The store is located at Unit 1, The Wharf Retail Park, Woolsack Way, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1DR.
Does M&S Godalming offer click and collect for groceries?
Yes, though specific service availability can fluctuate; we recommend checking the M&S store locator online to confirm if full grocery click-and-collect is currently enabled for this specific site.
What makes this the biggest ever standalone Foodhall?
At 22,000 square feet, it is the largest space M&S has dedicated solely to its food and kitchenware range, allowing for a wider selection of products than traditional stores.
Are there specialized food counters?
Yes, the store includes a dedicated rotisserie chicken shop, a sushi counter, and an enhanced cheese barge.
Is there parking available?
There is a large car park with 170 spaces, including 10 parent-and-child and 10 Blue Badge spaces, conveniently located near the entrance.
Are there household items for sale?
Yes, the store features a brand-new kitchen shop stocking pans, utensils, and other essential kitchenware.