Marks & Spencer’s new flagship store at SouthGate in Bath has opened its doors, bringing food, fashion, home and beauty together under one roof in the city centre.
Cutting the ribbon to open the store | Photo © Bath Echo
The four-storey 83,000 sq ft shop opened its doors at 9am this morning, Wednesday 4th February, just hours after the long-running Stall Street branch closed for the final time on Tuesday evening.
More than 650 people queued up for the opening, with some arriving at 8am.
The relocation has created 40 new jobs, with all colleagues from Stall Street having transferred to the new location. The new store has around 300 members of staff, made up of full and part-time roles.
Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar greeted customers as they entered the store, with the first batch of customers receiving M&S Bath SouthGate branded tote bags.
Shoppers visiting SouthGate can now explore a large M&S Foodhall alongside clothing ranges, including the latest collections from Autograph and heritage label Jaeger.
A giant inflatable Percy Pig outside the new store | Photo © Bath Echo
A dedicated beauty hall showcases third-party brands such as Clinique, Estee Lauder, Hello Sunday, TYPEBEA, Sam McKnight and ESPA.
The new site also features a 140-seat M&S Coffee Shop, which is serving breakfast and lunch options including breakfast rolls, toasted flatbreads and barista-made coffee.
Store manager Natalie Jordan with Colin the Caterpillar and Percy Pig | Photo © Bath Echo
Ahead of launch, store manager Natalie Jordan said: “We got the keys to the new store this Monday and the whole team has been working hard to get everything ready for the big reveal on Wednesday.
“Our new location already looks incredible, and I know our customers will absolutely love the space, the layout and the amazing quality, trusted value products we have waiting.
“We look forward to welcoming customers to their brand-new flagship M&S store.”
Photo © Bath Echo
The SouthGate flagship is one of more than 20 new or renewed M&S stores opening across the UK in the second half of this financial year.
Laurence Budden, senior asset manager at British Land, which owns SouthGate Bath, said the retailer was a major addition to the shopping centre’s line-up.
Photo © Bath Echo
He said: “We are delighted to welcome Marks and Spencer to SouthGate Bath; they are the perfect addition to our strong line-up and further enhance the mix for our visitors.
“SouthGate’s prominent city centre location and strong transport links create a compelling offer, and with this the scheme is now fully let.”
