Retail giant Marks & Spencer opens the doors on its new store at Liverpool ONE, creating 70 new jobs, with images showing food, fashion and beauty departments. Tony McDonough reports
Marks & Spencer has opened the doors on its new outlet located in the former Debenhams store at Liverpool ONE, creating 70 new jobs.
After almost a century trading out of Compton House in Church Street, M&S has taken 100,000 sq ft of accommodation in a deal with Liverpool ONE owner Grosvenor. The main entrance is on the corner of Lord Street and South John Street.
However, trading space in the new store is 70,000 sq ft and this is 70% smaller than the 250,000 sq ft of space it traded from in Church Street. It had been in that space since 1930.
Shoppers entering the new outlet will discover a market-style food hall as well as new clothing, home and beauty departments. There is also a new-look M&S Coffee Shop.
Along with the existing M&S Liverpool team of 250 people who have transferred to work in the new store, the retailer has welcomed over 70 new recruits.
Its clothing department offers womenswear, kidswear and menswear – with dedicated, neon-lit areas to spotlight M&S customer favourites including Per Una, Autograph and Goodmove.
Its new coffee shop offers freshly made sandwiches and pastries, chilled drinks – including the Colin the Caterpillar and Percy Pig Slushees – and a selection of delicious cakes and treats.
Store Manager Kirsty Williams, who has worked at M&S for over 10 years, said: “We are thrilled to officially open our brand-new store in Liverpool ONE.
“The last few weeks have been so exciting for us all as we’ve seen the store take shape, and I’d like to thank everyone in the team for all their hard work to make sure everything is ready for our loyal customers today.
“The store is an exciting investment in the future of M&S in Liverpool, and I can’t wait for our customers to explore all the new features that the store has to offer.”
Analysis: What next for Compton House as M&S departs?
This opening completes the evolution of the former Debenhams store which closed for good in May 2021. In the last few days the £10m Gravity Max leisure venue, including go-kart track, has also opened in another part of the building.
Rob Deacon, senior asset manager at Grosvenor, added: “It has been fantastic working with the M&S team to help them achieve their vision of delivering a modern and enticing showcase space which provides an enhanced experience for their customers.
“To be the location of choice within Liverpool for another retail giant’s flagship store is evidence of the fantastic work we do for brands and operators alike.”
Metis Real Estate Advisors and CBRE acted for Liverpool ONE. Savills represented M&S.