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Get your free copy04 April 2011, 15:35 PM
- The quality food retailer has announced plans to return to France, a decade after it pulled out of the country
The business is to open a three-storey outlet on the Champs Elysees in Paris towards the end of 2011, which will sell food and womenswear, as well as a new website that will offer deliveries all over the country. M&S is also keen to open Simply Food stores at strategic locations in and around Paris and is now looking for suitable sites.
In 2001 the company closed its 38 outlets in continental Europe to concentrate on revamping its UK business. Despite not having traded in France in over a decade, M&S is confident that it is still highly regarded by shoppers; a recent survey showed 70% of consumers recognise its brand.
Speaking from Paris, Marc Bolland, the company’s chief executive, said: “Marks & Spencer has great brand awareness here in France and a place in customers’ hearts.
“We’re very excited to be returning with an e-commerce and retail offer to delight customers with our full range of clothing and home products, and the exceptional food from our Paris store.”
Both the new French website and Parisian store are scheduled to launch prior to this year’s peak Christmas trading period to capitalise on the busy period.
There are currently 697 UK Marks & Spencer stores and 358 international stores in 42 territories.
