-Concept designed to revolutionise the home retail market-
The first Marks & Spencer Lifestore opened today (25 February 2004) in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Under the direction of Vittorio Radice, the store represents a brand new concept in home retailing and the first step in achieving Marks & Spencer's goal of becoming a leader in this market.
The Marks & Spencer Lifestore was opened by Marks & Spencer's Chief Executive, Roger Holmes and Chairman, Luc Vandevelde accompanied by Vittorio Radice, Executive Director of Home.
Marks & Spencer Lifestore is designed to reflect the way we live. Products are arranged in nine different 'worlds' - rest, relax, renew, celebrate, cook, organise, play, escape and al fresco - rather than by product category. Marks & Spencer Lifestores also uniquely features a full-size two-storey house designed by architect John Pawson, creating the ultimate environment to showcase the store's products.
Over 12,000 items will be on sale in the Marks & Spencer Lifestore - the biggest range of home products the company has offered - from barbecues, benches and outdoor lighting in 'al fresco' to confetti, cutlery, champagne flutes and cups in 'celebrate'. Brand new Marks & Spencer products and ranges include bathrooms and gym equipment.
"Marks & Spencer Lifestore is an exciting concept that breaks new ground. It represents our first step towards becoming a leader in the home market.
"We've designed the Marks & Spencer Lifestore to reflect the way we live now and capture the atmosphere and eclecticism of our homes. It's a brand new shopping experience that's all about individuality and accessibility. We're confident it has something for everyone."
Vittorio Radice
Many of the Marks & Spencer Lifestore products can also be ordered from the new Design Directory (available in all Marks & Spencer stores) and online at www.marksandspencer.com. Selected items will also be sold in Marks & Spencer stores nationwide.
Other Marks & Spencer Lifestores are scheduled to open in Kingston-upon-Thames in summer 2004, and in Lakeside Retail Park, West Thurrock in summer 2005. Of Marks & Spencer's existing stores, 113 currently carry home products, of which 49 offer furniture.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Consumer PR enquiries: 0191 461 1771
Corporate PR enquiries: 020 7268 1919
Photograpy
Photography of the Marks & Spencer Lifestore team and the new store will be available from 11am on Tuesday 24 February, embargoed until 00:01 Wednesday 25th February from:www.mandslibrary.com and Newscast: 020 7 608 1000 or www.newscast.co.uk
Photography of Marks & Spencer Lifestore products is available from:
Polly Atkinson or Katie Richardson at Camron PR 020 7420 1700
B-Roll
B-roll footage will be available from 2pm on Tuesday 24 February, embargoed until 00:01 Wednesday 25th February from:
Alastair Boyd at Boyd Media on 07767 782664
Product Loans
Product loans are available from:
Laura Davidson or Katie de Courcy on 020 7268 6190
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