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Marks & Spencer launch flagship store for North

Marks & Spencer have opened a new flagship store at Cheshire Oaks in Ellesmere Port, which will be the retailers largest store outside of London.

Interactive digital shopping “hubs” that allow consumers to browse the M&S ranges, and 70 inch display screens are part of the new design of the high-tech store.

The 151,000 sq ft shop will also feature a deli section, food hall and clothing ranges, and customers will be guided by shop assistants equipped with iPads.

Cheshire Oaks is already home to a large leisure complex and outlet shopping facility, and is based next to a large business park.

M&S boss Mark Bolland hopes that this new design will bring a boost for the retailer after poor performance figures for the last year and the first fall in profits since 2008.

The store will act as the flagship for the North of England and is the prototype model for Marks & Spencer shops across the UK. If the format is successful, it will be rolled out across stores nationwide.

All Marks & Spencer stores will be fitted with wi-fi by May next year, to follow the example of the Cheshire Oaks location.

The flagship is also equipped with a “store within a store” skin care department to compete with Boots, as well as a bakery and home department.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .