M&S opens new flagship Bristol store

M&S has returned to Bristol city centre, this morning unveiling its brand-new 80,000 sq ft flagship store at Cabot Circus.

Spanning three floors, the full-line store delivers the very best of M&S Food, Fashion, Home and Beauty for customers - all in time for the run up to Christmas.

On the lower ground floor, customers can find a fresh market-style foodhall, with fresh produce from M&S’ Select Farm partners (1,200 based in the South West) and an in-store bakery serving up the latest launches.

Customers can also take a pit-stop from browsing in the 200-seater Coffee Shop, delivering speedy service, barista-made coffee, and delicious food.

M&S Cabot Circus is one of over 20 new or renewed stores that M&S is launching in the second half of this financial year. Bath Southgate, also a flagship full-line store, is set to open in February.

Long-serving colleague Stephen Bennett cut the ribbon this morning, followed by the official reveal of the store, with customers starting to queue early this morning from 7.30am.

Ali Ivery, Regional Manager at M&S, said: 

"We have a long history here in Bristol, dating back to 1900, and so it is brilliant to be back today, with our brand-new 80,000 sq ft flagship Cabot Circus store. Over three floors, we have the very best of M&S Food, Fashion and Home waiting for customers, including our biggest ever in-store beauty offer. So, there is plenty to explore. 

It's fantastic to be making such a significant investment in the city and the opening has created over 150 new jobs. We have a great supplier base here and work with over 1,200 Select Farm partners across the region. Our focus now is on delivering trusted value, unbeatable quality and that touch of M&S magic for customers in the run up to Christmas and beyond."

Cabot Circus is owned and managed by Hammerson.

Paul O’Brien, Director of Leasing and Commercialisation Performance at Hammerson, added:

“As the number one most requested brand by our customers, we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome M&S back into the heart of Bristol. With queues of customers snaking around Cabot Circus, we know this retail giant will be a major boost to the destination and the city more generally. As a result of our ongoing investment, and with even more new brands launching next year, this is a golden moment for Cabot Circus as we continue to deliver a vibrant, multi-use destination at the centre of the community.”

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

“This is not just another new store for Cabot Circus, it’s a multi-million-pound investment in the heart of Bristol’s retail offer. Well in time for Christmas, this exciting three-storey M&S will mean over 150 new jobs in an important sector for our new Growth Strategy.

“Across the West, M&S now have over 20 stores, employing over 2,000 local people. The British retail giant’s new investment is a real vote of confidence in our region, with a new £17 million flagship store in Bath and a 20-year lease on a huge new £74 million logistics depot under construction in Severn Beach, creating more opportunities for local farmers and more choices for customers too.”