M&S opens Lakeside store as expansion continues
M&S has opened a 97,000 sq ft store at Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock, as the retailer continues its busiest month of expansion.
The store features a market-style M&S Foodhall, as well as clothing and home and beauty departments, and a 140-seat café.
The Lakeside store is part of an £80m investment into the retailer’s “biggest ever” month of openings in November. M&S is looking to become the UK’s leading omnichannel retailer, pivoting its estate from 247 stores to 180 higher quality, higher productivity stores, whilst also opening 100 food sites by the 2027/28 financial year.
The Lakeside store features a clothing department with menswear, womenswear, and childrenswear from M&S brands such as Per Una, Autograph, Goodmove, and Jaeger. Meanwhile, the M&S Foodhall offers food from M&S’s own farms, a bakery, and a dedicated wine shop.
As part of a £20m investment by Lakeside, the store will also be serviced by an enlarged entrance from an upgraded car park, granting improved access.
Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, said: “Lakeside’s new M&S store has been long-awaited by our guests and we are delighted to see the doors open today – just in time for the festive shopping period. Significant investment has gone into the new space – reflected in increased prominence in the mall, better accessibility, as well as an enhanced customer experience – all of which will act as footfall drivers.
“M&S is a long-standing partner, having enjoyed many successful years at the centre – and we’re excited to support them on this next chapter with us.”