Marks & Spencer is searching for sites to open two prototype 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) home furnishings superstores.
Unveiling a 31% rise in profits this week, chairman Luc Vandervelde said that the retailer wants to open two standalone home furnishings outlets next year.
Chris Williams, M&S’s head of property, said his team hadn’t found any sites yet.
“We are looking in the 10-15 strongest regional shopping locations, at almost every big city in the UK,” he said.
“We have done a scan of the whole country. The first two will be a trial, but a significant trial, and there is potential for more.”
Williams said the stores would probably trade from sales areas of around 60,000 -70,000 sq ft (5,574-6,503 sq m), selling furniture, soft furnishings and household goods on two levels.
The retailer also intends to press ahead with aggressive expansion of its Simply Food stores.
EGi News 23/05/02
