Marks & Spencer is to refresh a swath of convenience stores and open more in pursuit of growth in that market.
The retailer has unveiled an overhauled branch in London’s Liverpool Street station to kick off the programme.
M&S intends to open 10 new convenience branches and renew approximately 50 more in partnership with franchisees such as SSP, which runs the Liverpool Street store. The retailer is aiming to build its convenience business, which already generates sales of £1bn.
By the end of this year, M&S expects to be operating in approximately 40 train stations alongside other convenience locations such as hospitals and airports.
The revamped Liverpool Street mezzanine store includes an additional entrance, improved chilled and floral departments and freshly baked products as well as more self-service tills.
The shop primarily caters to people seeking ‘food for now’ while another store in the station focuses on ‘food for later’.
M&S Food managing director Alex Freudmann 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.
“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 maximises these small spaces to deliver the M&S Foodhall experience for the missions our customers are shopping for as they travel.”
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