M&S relaunches at ‘thriving’ Merry Hill centre
Marks & Spencer has unveiled its new, nearly 100,000 sq ft concept store at Merry Hill, consolidating two units into a major flagship as part of the retailer’s £300m nationwide investment programme.
The company, which is celebrating its 35th year in Brierley Hill, announced plans to expand its operations at the centre into a new 100,000 sq ft space earlier this year, part of an estates improvement plan for the group currently taking place across 12 stores.
A further 16 new stores are either open or due to open, with floor space at a further nine stores also being extended.
Jonathan Poole, Centre Manager of Merry Hill, said: “Following a significant investment in the centre, the expanded nearly 100,000 sq. ft store offers M&S’ full range and latest concept – from exceptional food and beauty, to furniture and fashion – all under one roof, and it’s already proving exceptionally popular with visitors.
“M&S have made a long-term commitment to Merry Hill and the refurbished store marks a new chapter for the brand, having opened its original store here 35 years ago. The store is a key piece in the continued transformation of the centre and we look forward to sharing further exciting centre news soon.”
The move added around 20,000 sq ft to the company’s operation at Merry Hill, where it also launched a revamped food hall operation in August.
Earlier this week, the group announced it was seeking locations for 500 new stores across the country, with plans to double the size of its food business.
Graeme Jones, executive director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, on behalf of Merry Hill, said: “This opening builds on the centre’s transformation in recent years. It’s a move that wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago, but with Merry Hill thriving, the time is right to create a growth platform for M&S and use that evolution to unlock new opportunities.
“Importantly, it delivers even more for our customers, enhancing the visitor experience at M&S, and allowing us to introduce new brands that have wanted to be here for a while, and are now willing to commit to Merry Hill, having seen the significant changes that have taken place.”
