Revitalised Marks & Spencer stores reopen

Marks & Spencer have reopened the doors of their Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry and Forestside Shopping Centre in Newtownbreda.

Following completion work, estimated to have cost over £1.5 million, the stores represent two of three outlets in Northern Ireland due for a ‘renewal programme' this year.

The investments are aimed at creating state-of-the-art Marks & Spencer stores for Newry and Belfast shoppers.

Extensive research conducted by Marks & Spencer asked customers about how and why they shop in the Newry and Newtownbreda stores and what in particular they would like to see in their local stores.

In response to these findings, from today, customers will be able to benefit from tailor-made offerings of new initiatives, services and product ranges.

The Newry store has improved flooring and lighting, new signage, and refurbished fitting rooms. Shoppers will benefit from a new food-ordering desk, and dividers have been used to create more distinctive in-store shopping areas in the store.

Eddie McManus, Marks & Spencer Newry Store Manager, said: “Since its opening in 1998, this is the first significant development programme undertaken at Marks & Spencer Newry and will create a fabulous new look for our store.

“Customer expectations are ever higher, and our desire to meet them is unlimited. Our local shoppers have been the driving forces for this transformation – customers will not only see a difference, they’ll feel the difference too."

Among the improvements at the Newtownbreda store is an improved textile ordering facilities, an extended food hall and a new in-store bakery.

Simon Anderson, Marks & Spencer Newtownbreda Store Manager, said: “The new look Newtownbreda store represents our vision for a new look and feel for Marks & Spencer and it’s an opportunity to tell people here how they’ve been part of the success of Marks & Spencer. Our continued development brings the Marks & Spencer philosophy of service and quality to more and more customers.”

In addition, both stores will feature new products, services and customer care to create an exciting shopping experience in a contemporary environment.

(SP)