Changes to the new stores include wider aisles for greater convenience when browsing the goods on offer. There is a general focus on more of a shopping experience and sustainability.
The departments at the newly opened Liverpool One are uncluttered, bright and feature high-quality materials. In the fashion department, M&S brands Autograph, Una and Goodmove are highlighted. Another speciality is an unprecedented range of M&S shoes. The beauty department has a bright and friendly feel, showcasing the Apothecary Collection as well as the new M&S Fresh Elements main skincare range. However, third-party brands such as Pixi, Prai, L`Occitane and, for the first time, Clinique are also on offer.
In the new M&S Foodhall, customers will find a fresh market feel, with displays full of high-quality products from M&S Select Farms and a bakery offering fresh bread and pastries daily. A wide selection of cheeses and a special M&S wine store round out the offerings.
The café is a great place to linger, and the selection of freshly prepared food has been expanded to include delicious sandwiches, but adjustments have also been made to the beverage selection.
Rob Deacon, Senior Asset Manager at Grosvenor, the property company that owns Liverpool One, commented, “It has been fantastic to work with the M&S team and help them achieve their vision of creating a modern and enticing storefront that offers a better experience for their customers. The choice of Liverpool as the location for another retail giant’s flagship store is testament to the fantastic work we do for brands and operators alike.”
At the beginning of 2023, Marks & Spencer announced plans to invest £480 million and create 3400 new jobs as a result. In addition to the recently opened site in Liverpool one, other stores have been opened: White Rose Centre in Leeds, Bullring in Birmingham, lakesside shopping center in Thurrock and the Trafford Center in Manchester. A number of openings are still on the agenda for 2023 and 2024 as well as food halls in Stockport, Largs and Barnsley. However, there will also be 67 closures in the coming years, as the company announced in fall 2022 to save £300 million.
