M&S to open 'next-gen' Liverpool One store in ex-Debenhams space

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Dec 20, 2022

In another major endorsement for the successful Liverpool One mall, co-operator/owner Grosvenor has announced a major anchor for the city centre mall.

Retail giant M&S is to open a "next generation" 100,000 sq ft store over two floors of the former Debenhams department store.

Set to open in mid-2023, M&S is actually relocating from Church Street to create a store “that reaffirms the brand’s commitment to the city centre” with an investment described as part of the retailer’s national store rotation programme, which aims to “create an M&S store estate fit for the future, with high-quality, high-productivity space across the UK”. 

Reflecting the brand’s “latest retail design concept, innovations and integration of technology to enhance the customer experience” M&S Liverpool One will feature a fashion and homewares departments and a foodhall, including a café.

Pete Dobson, Regional Manager, M&S, said: “The new store will offer the very best of M&S in a prime location in the city centre. Customers will be able to shop across a wide range of M&S products… in a fresh, modern store with fully integrated digital technology to support customers however they want to shop.

Alison Clegg, who is the Managing Director, Asset Management at Grosvenor, added: “The signing of M&S is a great reflection of Grosvenor’s strategy of marrying the needs and wants of consumers to those of leading brands. 

"M&S is seeking modern space that allows it to deliver an enhanced experience for consumers, who themselves are searching for ever-greater choice and value. By working closely with the M&S team, combining our consumer insight with theirs, we have created what we all believe to be a fantastic new store.”

Earlier this month, the premium Boss fashion brand also announced it is relocating and upsizing its store at Liverpool One, taking a new, more prominent space. The 13,500 sq ft flagship on Paradise Street, also opens in early 2023, marks a 130% upsize in total trading area.

And post-pandemic, the mall has been able to boost its store numbers considerably, including upsizes for Dr Martens and Castore, and new stores for Bershka, Stradivarius, Russell & Bromley, David M Robinson, Kick Game, Charlotte Tilbury, Gym + Coffee and Rituals.