New Belfast store to open amidst M&S growth and renewal plans
M&S aims to grow and renew its convenience footprint with 10 new stores, including one in Belfast opening later this year.
As part of its plans, it will open 10 new stores and up to 50 renewals, with its new-look Liverpool Street station store reopening on 10th July, the first ever M&S convenience store at a mainline railway station.
This year, with its franchise partners across the UK, the retailer will open at least 10 new and renew up to 50 convenience stores to contribute further growth to its £1bn convenience business. By the end of this year M&S will be present in more than 40 UK train stations, including two new stores at Ealing Broadway, opened last month, and Belfast, opening in October, as well as in hospitals and airports across the UK.
The renewed Liverpool Street station store is focused on customers shopping for Food for Now, such as sandwiches, salads, bakery and drinks.
Originally opened in November 2001 in partnership with SSP, the Liverpool Street Mezzanine store remains a fantastic example of the retailer’s partnership with SSP. The group specialises in running travel food and drink outlets and the partnership has gone from strength to strength. SSP currently runs 55 franchised M&S convenience stores across rail and air locations, as well as some hospitals.
Alex Freudmann, M&S Food MD said: “Our renewal programme is all about making sure we have the right stores in the right place and with the right space and this applies to our convenience stores as well.
“These stores offer the perfect range for customers on the move looking for sandwiches, salads and snacks to eat now, as well as meals for dinner, such as our infamous Dine In offers. The convenience channel complements our wider business and provides a halo effect, so it’s important that customers have the same fantastic shopping experience.
“The new renewal format for our convenience stores maximises these small spaces to deliver the M&S Foodhall experience for the missions our customers are shopping for as they travel. By renewing and growing our convenience estate, we’ll continue to deliver for our customers however, whenever and wherever they want to shop with us.”
