Retailer Marks & Spencer has released full details of its new 100,000 sq ft store, due to open in Liverpool in mid-2023. Tony McDonough reports
Marks & Spencer will open a 100,000 sq ft outlet in Liverpool ONE in mid-2023, leaving its current Church Street home after almost a century.
In May this year it was announced that M&S had agreed a deal with Liverpool ONE owner Grosvenor to move into the former Debenhams store which closed in May 2021. Today M&S said it would occupy two floors of the building in South John Street.
And it will share the building with Gravity, a leisure venue that offer 11 immersive experiences. They include e-karting, bowling and urban golf. It will also offer food and drink and live entertainment.
M&S’s departure from Church Street will be the end of an era. It first moved into Grade II listed Compton House in 1930. It was one of the first purpose-built department stores in Europe. For a short period the building was also used as a hotel that catered mainly for American guests.
Reflecting the brand’s latest retail design concept, innovations and integration of technology to enhance the customer experience, M&S Liverpool ONE will feature a “next generation” food hall, clothing and home departments.
The store will also include a café, dedicated Coffee To Go section, in-store bakery, Food to Go aisle, and a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fashion and homewares departments will showcase M&S own range of products, along with its exclusive collaborations and capsule collections.
Pete Dobson, regional manager, M&S, said: “We’re really excited to announce the relocation of our M&S store into the heart of the city in Liverpool ONE. The new store will offer the very best of M&S in a prime location in the city centre.”
Grosvenor’s signing of M&S completes the evolution of the former Debenhams unit. The store was the anchor tenant, along with John Lewis at the other end of South John Street, when Liverpool ONE opened in 2008.
Alison Clegg, managing Director, asset management, Grosvenor, added: “The signing of M&S at Liverpool ONE is a great reflection of Grosvenor’s strategy of marrying the needs and wants of consumers to those of leading brands.
“M&S is seeking modern space that allows it to deliver an enhanced experience for consumers, who themselves are searching for ever-greater choice and value.
“By working closely with the M&S team, combining our consumer insight with theirs, we have created what we all believe to be a fantastic new store.”
Metis Real Estate Advisors and CBRE acted for Liverpool ONE. Savills represented M&S.