At its AGM today, Marks & Spencer announced the opening of two flagship stores, in Bath and Bristol – yet it is understood that neither will stock home goods.
At its recent full-year results, the retailer announced plans to open up to four new full-line stores and nine new foodhalls across the UK in the current FY.
In Bath (pictured), the retailer is relocating to a 83,000 sqft store in SouthGate Shopping Centre, a £17m investment which will offer food and the retailer’s extensive clothing and beauty ranges.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin says: “We want to offer the best possible shopping experience for customers every single time they shop with us. This new £17m investment in a flagship Bath store means we can deliver on that promise and secure M&S’ future in the city.
"Our store rotation strategy is all about making sure we can showcase the very best of M&S – and that touch of M&S magic – from stores which excite and inspire. We’ve seen great results so far where we have relocated stores, in city centres like Liverpool and Birmingham, helping us to attract new customers and giving us the confidence to go faster with the strategy.”
M&S also announced plans to return to Bristol with the opening of a brand-new flagship store in Cabot Circus.
The 80,000 sqft store is backed by a £21m investment, and will also offer food, clothing and beauty goods. The opening is anticipated to create an estimated 150 new jobs.
Developer Hammerson's CEO, Rita-Rose Gagné, says: “We are delighted to continue expanding our partnership with M&S in Cabot Circus, having seen the positive impact of their presence across our other destinations. M&S is a brand that resonates with our core catchment areas and this new store will support our strategy to create a leading destination, thriving at the heart of Bristol city centre.”
In April, the retail revealed that it intended to stop selling larger furniture items through its shops by the autumn, while continuing to sell furniture online in partnership with third-party brands.
