Take a Second Look – A Recipe for Renewal – M&S Foodhall Lisburn
Here at Neighbourhood Retailer we’re still in awe of the new look Marks & Spencer Food Hall at Sprucefield. The new format is awe-inspiring simply because it encompasses just about every aspect of contemporary 21st century grocery retailing – showcasing what can be achieved with strategic thinking, vision, insight – keeping the customer at the core, but also embracing new concepts, formats, ideas – while keeping the spotlight on sustainability and environmental concerns.
We thought we’d take a second look at this fantastic foodhall – by featuring some fabulous photos of the in-store design.
The new refill section is a showcase for sustainability. M&S Sprucefield has been overwhelmed at how local customers have completely embraced the refill section – one of the highlights of the new-look food hall.
The emphasis is totally on the shopping experience – bringing the ‘joy’ back into shopping in a physical space, when the last few years have seen so many switch to online options.
Manager JP McShane told NR how the staff were delighted with the new look store – but the success of the refill section is an inspiration for others thinking of introducing a similar concept instore.
“Our ‘Fill Your Own’ selection reduces packaging and food waste by giving customers the option to fill their own containers and stock up on M&S quality essentials like pasta, rice, cereal and even frozen fruits and pastries.”
As good as it gets
While our feature in last month’s NR focused on the brand new sushi bar, Mai, the novelty may have overlooked some of the other fantastic offerings instore.
The new cheese and deli section is outstanding. The bakery is as good as it gets.
M&S Lisburn is only the second store in Northern Ireland to receive this comprehensive renewal programme.
JP McShane, M&S Lisburn Store Manager is celebrating 25 years of service with M&S. He said: “I’m extremely proud to the end result. With a wider choice, from everyday staples to treats for special occasions, customers are in for a warm welcome and a big surprise with all the changes we’ve made!”
Easier to shop
The new look store is easier to shop with lots of amazing features including a brand new Mai Sushi counter with freshly prepared sashimi and sushi, bigger grocery and frozen departments, an Instagram-worthy rotisserie chicken station and new interactive elements such as a talking Percy Pig and “moo-ing” dairy cows have been added to aisles throughout the Foodhall, promising to keep kids entertained during the weekly shop. New checkouts and quicker ways to pay complete our new food shopping experience.
The new look wine shop features an award-winning selection including iconic classics and new varieties to discover from unexpected locations.
Cheese barge
The new cheese barge showcases our best cheese selection ever, handpicked from Europe’s best cheesemakers.
“Sourcing locally is really important to us. There are some fantastic new products being produced by our local supply base including new vegan lines to the M&S Plant Kitchen range from Finnebrogue Artisan and a new Burger Slaw from Avondale Foods. Northern Ireland is one of our biggest supply regions with 11 direct suppliers and around 1,600 farms producing quality produce for us.
New ways to pay
M&S customers can make the most of new ways to pay too, including M&S Sparks shoppers who will be able to use the M&S app to skip the queue by using the ‘Scan & Shop’ option.
