M&S has unveiled plans for a significant transformation of its Newcastle store, committing £13 million to the North East.
- The Northumberland Street store will undergo a top-to-bottom redesign, maintaining operations throughout the process.
- A newly refurbished foodhall is set to open by year-end, with clothing, home, and beauty departments following by early 2024.
- M&S is expanding its innovative ‘Scan & Shop’ system, enhancing customer convenience across the region.
- This investment underscores M&S’s long-standing dedication to North Eastern communities, reinforcing its position as a customer favourite.
Marks and Spencer is set to embark on a significant transformation of its Newcastle store as part of a £13 million investment aimed at revitalising its presence in the North East. The iconic Northumberland Street location will see a comprehensive redesign, intended to modernise and improve the overall shopping experience while keeping the store open to customers throughout the process.
The transformation will begin with the foodhall, anticipated to be completed later this year. This will be followed by updates to the clothing, home, and beauty departments, which are scheduled to be finished by early 2024. This staggered approach ensures the store remains operational, minimising disruption to its loyal customer base.
In addition to the physical refurbishments, M&S is expanding its innovative ‘Scan & Shop’ system, which currently serves 33,000 customers weekly. The technology allows shoppers to use their mobile phones to scan and bag items as they shop, offering a more streamlined and efficient experience. This enhancement is expected to attract even more customers across the North East region.
Helen Cowie, Regional Manager for the North East, expressed pride in M&S’s deep-rooted connection with the local communities, having traded from the Northumberland Street location since 1932. She emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering the best to its customers, not only through the current investment but also with plans for a new store at Washington Galleries.
Furthermore, M&S’s investment strategy extends beyond Newcastle. In April, the company announced a £12.5 million investment in London, targeting the development of its store portfolio, with an aim to create 200 new jobs.
This strategic investment by M&S demonstrates its unwavering commitment to enhancing retail experiences in the North East and beyond.