M&S unveils hi-tech future with flagship store

The company drafted in Joanna Lumley to launch the Cheshire Oaks store in Ellesmere Port yesterday and it is being seen as a showcase for the ideas new boss Marc Bolland believes will help promote growth after the company recently reported a fall in profits for the first time since 2008.

The new-look store features free customer wi-fi access, in-store online ordering hubs, 70-inch television screens showing the latest styles, assistants with iPads and a brand new beauty department.

M&S has also put eco-features at the heart of the store and said it is the “greenest” shop the group has ever built.

If successful, many of the initiatives will be rolled out across the group’s wider retail chain.

It has already given 150 stores the new-look signage and hopes to revamp all its stores by the middle of next year.

The Cheshire Oaks store will be watched closely in the industry, with Mr Bolland’s plans to revive the retail giant’s fortunes resting
on the success of many of
the ideas launched at the
 outlet.

The Dutchman has suffered a tough initial tenure at M&S since being appointed in May 2010, with sliding sales.