As Marks & Spencer opened its Foodhall in Newark for the first time on Tuesday (March 29), and shoppers queued to get their first glimpse of the delights inside, we wondered what customers really thought once they'd had a chance to step inside. Had the store lived up to the expectation and anticipation?
One of the first customers through the door on the opening morning was 65-year-old Sue Crosby. The Newark resident said: “It’s been a long time coming, we have needed it for a long time."
Ms Crosby, who is retired, explained how she used to shop at the former M&S in the town centre but that it was difficult getting the shopping back to car. It's a problem customers at this store won’t have thanks to its 100 space car park. She added: “It’s great, it is a positive move for the people of Newark".
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Store manager Wes Kachela has been with the retailer for 25 years. He officially launched the store at The Maltings Retail Park with the help of M&S icon Percy Pig.
Reporter Laycie Beck was there to see the queues waiting to enter the store and get reaction. She said: "I was really excited to go visit the new Foodhall and it did not disappoint. Despite the cold weather the staff were warm and welcoming and were definitely prepared for the day."
As part of the opening day celebrations, the first 200 customers through the door were handed M&S Golden Tickets, giving them the chance to win up to £200 in M&S vouchers. Customers were also given a leaflet and reusable shopping bag on entry.
Also taking a peep at the store was Councillor Debbie Derby, of Newark. Councillor Derby, said: “It’s a beautiful layout and I very much welcome the fact that we now have a Marks and Spencer's back in Newark. It’s fantastic that it has created jobs for the Newark area and it’s a great location as well.”
Mr Kachela agreed and hopes it will become part of the community. He said: “It’s exciting and great to be back [in the town]. We were last in Newark in 2019, so it’s great to have a bigger, better, brighter shop, I’m absolutely delighted.”
The new, neon-lit store marks a big investment for M&S in the local area. Inside the brand-new 13,000 sqft Foodhall, the aim is to give customer a fresh market feel, with produce displays brimming with fresh fruit and vegetables from M&S Select Farms. There's also a bakery and a selection of cheeses.
The store has already drawn customers from Newark as well as the surrounding areas. Retired Paul Nichol, 76, of Bingham, said: “It’s now getting used to the aisles I suppose, we are used to the one in West Bridgford. But I can see my daughter-in-law coming her quite regularly.”
His wife, Sandra, 72, of Bingham, added: “It’s fabulous. I think it is absolutely lovely. The West Bridgford one is not as big as this, and I can see us coming here regularly.”
Louise Proctor, of Coddington, said: “It’s bigger than I thought it would be, and there’s a really big variety.” Retired Amanda Wasilewski, 63, of Newark, said: “It will take some getting used to the layout, but it’s great.”
Social worker, Teresa Johnson, 50, of Newark, said: “It’s so spacious and everything is put in its place and it’s just really fresh. This has a building of its own which is quite good for the people of Newark as well.
“We have an array of different supermarkets but we all have our own favourites, and I love M&S as everything is so fresh and the products are amazing.”
Mr Kachela added: “The store is an exciting investment in the future of M&S in Newark and I can’t wait for our customers to explore all the new features themselves. As well as a warm welcome from our friendly team, customers will find produce aisles brimming with great value fresh fruit and vegetables and our in-store bakery ready to serve delicious, quality, fresh bread and pastries throughout the day.”
