M&S opened its brand-new 18,000sq ft store in Abingdon, Oxfordshire yesterday, with customers queuing to be the first inside.
The opening has created 75 new jobs, with seven colleagues recruited via M&S’ Marks & Start employability scheme, designed to support those at a disadvantage in their job hunt into a career in retail.
Shortly before 8am, Store Manager Paddy Sunderland was joined by colleagues and a giant inflatable Colin the Caterpillar to cut the ribbon and officially open the store.
Inside the store, customers are greeted by a large fresh produce range from M&S’ Select Farm partners – over 60 of which are based in Oxfordshire – and fresh market specials.
Meanwhile, an in-store bakery & coffee counter offers a range of bread and pastries, as well as barista-made hot drinks to takeaway.
Customers can also try a new Hot Chicken Counter, serving up BBQ and Butter-basted flavour British rotisserie chicken, as well as M&S’ iconic cheese barge located in the centre of the store.
This week, M&S added an additional 15 products to its Remarksable Value range of everyday essentials – price benchmarked against key competitors with an M&S quality point of difference – all now available at M&S Abingdon Fairacres.
Customers can also find the latest new M&S Food product launches, including new BBQ Long Dogs, available in four flavours; Smoky Style, Jalapeño & Cheese, Herby Chicken and Reuben Style and new Dunked N Loaded dessert-inspired doughnuts.
Dedicated Flower and Wine shops also showcase the best Flower Market Specials and award-winning wines, alongside a Click & Collect point for online fashion, home & beauty orders.
Store manager Paddy Sunderland said of the opening: “I grew up locally so it feels really special to be opening a brand-new store in Abingdon today. The team have done an amazing job getting the store ready and we’re proud to bring the very best of M&S Food – from trusted value to exceptional quality – to customers.
“We have everything customers need for their shopping list at the store including our Bigger Pack Better Value range, which is perfect for families.”
M&S Abingdon Fairacres is located at Fairacres Retail Park, Marcham Road, OX14 1TP and opening hours are between 8am and 9pm Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm Sundays.
