Marks & Spencer’s first-ever ‘eco’ store was unveiled today with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony led by the Store Manager, Aaron Spicer and the Deputy Mayor of Bournemouth Councillor Bob Chapman.
Celebrations continued in-store where customers were treated to complimentary champagne, live music and cooking demonstrations. In addition, personal shoppers were on hand to offer customers help and advice on Fairtrade, organic and recycled products across fashion, food and home.
After undergoing an ‘eco-conversion’ to improve its energy efficiency, the 51,000 sq ft store now incorporates a whole host of ‘eco’ features in line with M&S’ Plan A initiative, including using up to 25 per cent less energy than before the refurbishment, being powered with green renewable energy and boasting a number of water saving initiatives.
In addition to its eco-conversion, the store has undergone a complete re-design in line with M&S’ latest signature style with contemporary interior design, brighter lighting, easy to navigate walkways and more spacious fitting rooms.
Aaron Spicer, Marks & Spencer Bournemouth Store Manager commented: “The redevelopment of the store to make it Marks & Spencer’s first ‘green’ store has been an exciting time for us. Both customers and staff are delighted with the final results and are looking forward to exploring the new ‘eco-friendly’ features. What’s more our fantastic new-look store brings a refreshing shopping experience to Bournemouth and we’re confident customers will enjoy their trips to M&S even more.”
Dax Lovegrove, Head of Business and Industry Relations at WWF said: "WWF has been working with M&S on its practices for designing new stores in the UK. It's clear that M&S is tackling some of the toughest 'eco' challenges facing retailers - reducing green house gas emissions by using different types of fridges and encouraging alternative ways in which customers travel to and from stores, for example. The Bournemouth store has its own green travel plan and bike racks are being installed outside to encourage customers and staff to cycle to the store."
Increased space has led to wider customer choice across womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, lingerie, beauty, home and food. An extensive range of ‘eco-products’ is also available across all departments, from Fairtrade cotton t-shirts and Organic linen shirts, to Fairtrade cotton bed linen and towels and ‘eco-cleaning’ products.
In addition, a wide range of Fairtrade and Organic food and wine is available in the new and improved food hall, along with fresh Organic fruit and vegetable boxes, which customers can order and collect in-store.
Other highlights include a new and improved M&S Café, serving hot food including toasted sandwiches and ciabattas, as well as a range of hot drinks including Fairtrade tea and coffee.
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Rachael Cokayne, Staniforth\ 020 3103 0515 / 07795 517126
For images or background information on Marks & Spencer, please visit our website.
(i) Bournemouth is the first of the four trial ‘eco-stores’ outlined in Plan A, M&S’ £200 million, five year eco-plan which includes commitments in five key areas: Climate Change, Waste, Raw Materials, Fair Partner and Healthy Eating.
The ‘eco-store’ will:
Use up to 25 per cent less energy than before the refit following the installation of new systems and equipment across lighting, refrigeration and heating and ventilation, including new lobby entrances to improve overall air tightness
Be powered with green renewable energy, delivering a 92 per cent carbon dioxide saving
Boast a number of water saving initiatives, including dual flush toilets and self-closing taps resulting in savings of up to 15 per cent of the average store’s water consumption
Recycle and re-use up to 80 per cent of waste and key construction off cuts
Use recycled and recyclable materials including recyclable plastic shelving
Use of BREEAM A-rated materials with low or non-hazardous content and low energy processing within the specifications for ceilings and floor and wall coverings
Provide staff with ‘eco-friendly’ uniforms including a fleece made from recycled plastic bottles
Implement a ‘green’ travel plan for suppliers, staff and customers including a notice board to highlight green travel opportunities such as cycle and bus routes and secure cycle racks in the town. In addition, cycle racks for customers and staff will be introduced outside the store
(ii) The re-design is part of M&S’ strategy to modernise its entire chain, the largest store refurbishment plan underway in the UK. The re-model programme is now in its third phase and will see 70 per cent of M&S stores refurbished by the end of this year.
Back to press releases index
Back to top