Marks and Spencer plans to launch a new convenience store format, taking on the British food giants Tesco, Sainsbury and ASDA.
M&S will unveil two trial stores next May in Twickenham and Surbiton in south-west London.
If these are successful the UK's biggest clothing retailer could open a chain of 100 or more stores in an attempt to take a slice of the British convenience market.
The company, struggling to reverse a decline in its fortunes in a cut-throat retail market, already sells food in many of its stores. But smaller food-only shops with flexible opening hours would be a new departure for the retailer.
The new stores, covering about 3,000 square feet, will carry 1,500 to 1,200 products, including fresh vegetables, pre-prepared meals and sandwiches. They may also offer made-to-order sandwiches, as well as fresh pizzas baked on the premises.
An M&S spokesman said the two trial stores would also try to tailor products to suit the local customers.
"It's about getting the right product in the right environment," he said.
