Marks & Spencer make £3m store investment

Three of Marks & Spencer’s stores are to benefit from a £3m investment programme.

Work has commenced on two major developments at the Marks & Spencer stores in Forestside and Buttercrane Shopping Centres with the work there put at £1.5 million.

An additional £1.5 million has been invested in the Marks & Spencer Belfast store, with the unveiling this week of its revamped Food Hall with new in-store bakery. The store will also benefit from extended kidswear and menswear sections, with the relocation of the Homeware department to the basement.

Over the next two months local contractor, McLaughlin & Harvey will be working to create the new look Marks & Spencer Newtownbreda and Newry stores, with work due to be completed in late October.

Chosen as two of three Northern Ireland stores to receive a ‘renewal programme’ this year, customers are still able to shop in both Marks & Spencer stores while work is carried out.

Both stores will receive new looks including improved walkways, brighter lighting, additional tills and new visual merchandising. The Newtownbreda store will feature an extended Food Hall, as well as enhanced fashion, beauty, lingerie and per una departments, while the Newry store will benefit from an updated in-store bakery.

Graham Sorah, Divisional Executive for Marks & Spencer Northern Ireland said: “These are the first significant development programmes undertaken at the Marks & Spencer Newtownbreda and Newry stores since they both opened in 1998. Once work is complete we will have stunning new stores selling the products our customers want in stylish and superb new settings.

“The Belfast store was revamped as one of Marks & Spencer’s first ‘renewal’ stores in October last year, and has been an instant hit with customers. As we look forward to the first anniversary of the store’s renewal, we can assure customers that the disruption to business is finally over and their patience over the last eight weeks is greatly appreciated.

“Business is booming for Marks & Spencer and we are confident that our customers will welcome these further improvements to our Northern Ireland stores.”

The Marks & Spencer Foyleside store is also in the process of receiving a renewal programme estimated at half a million pounds. The launch will take place at the beginning of October.

(SP)