M&S rolls out ‘book and shop’ service as lockdown looms

The service allows customers to book a shopping slot, removing the need to queue and helping M&S to manage shopper numbers in-store. 

Sparks Book & Shop, which was piloted in 80 branches including in Scotland and Wales where tighter restrictions were already in force, is now available throughout the UK.

Customers are allocated time in 30-minute slots and check-in at the store entrance. Up to two people per household may be checked in. Open to all customers, it is also hoped that the service will encourage people to sign up to the Sparks loyalty programme.

As a food retailer, M&S’ grocery stores and branches with food halls will be able to carry on trading after new lockdown restrictions come into force in England on Thursday.

M&S stores director Helen Milford said: “With winter ahead, we know customers are increasingly concerned about queuing so, in response, we wanted to deliver a quick, digital solution to help them shop. 

“Customers will always be able to visit M&S without a slot but we hope this is a small way we can help make things a little easier for our customers.”

The retailer will carefully manage shopper numbers and said: “M&S remains committed to limiting the number of customers in-store and is still using a counting app at every store to ensure social distancing can be maintained.”