Home / Business and Economy / M&S Flagship Store Revives Bristol City Center Shopping
M&S Flagship Store Revives Bristol City Center Shopping
13 Nov
Summary
- £21M M&S department store opens in former House of Fraser
- Store includes market-style food hall and 200-seat cafe
- Opening creates over 100 new jobs in Bristol
In a significant retail development, a brand-new £21 million Marks and Spencer flagship store has opened its doors in Bristol's Cabot Circus shopping center. The massive three-floor department store, which replaces a former House of Fraser location, marks M&S's return to Bristol city center after nearly four years.
The new M&S store boasts a range of impressive features, including a market-style food hall and a 200-seat cafe, in addition to its fashion and beauty departments. According to M&S regional manager Ali Ivery, the store is "one of the most modern" in the UK.
The opening of the new M&S store has created over 100 jobs, a welcome boost for the local economy. Paul O'Brien from Cabot Circus owner Hammerson described the arrival of the retail giant as "an exciting day" and expressed confidence that it will draw thousands of additional customers into the city center.
Retail analyst Nick Turk believes the new M&S store is better positioned in Cabot Circus than the previous Broadmead location, and does not expect it to have a significant impact on shopping at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. He notes that the city center store caters to a more foot-based, public transport-reliant customer base, while Cribbs Causeway serves a more regional, car-based audience.
