M&S sets the brief for future store formats

Marks & Spencer is developing plans for new retail formats, which involves reassessing the way it works with external design groups.

‘We are looking at store design for the future and a brief is being formulated,’ says Marks & Spencer design manager for store environment Justine Manley.

This is a ‘separate development’ from the £40m extension of Marks & Spencer’s store renewal programme to 100 stores around the UK this month and reflects the turnaround in the company’s financial performance, she says.

Manley is reporting to Marks & Spencer’s UK retail board, which features executive marketing director Alan McWalter and creative director Yasmin Yusuf. The aim is to develop ‘a new concept for retailing at Marks & Spencer’, she says.

Manley says that Marks & Spencer does not operate a formal design roster at present, but says assessing how the company works with consultancies does come within the scope of her review.

Last April, Marks & Spencer suspended retail projects by consultancies 20/20, Rodney Fitch & Co and Din Associates (DW 26 April 2001).