Marks & Spencer opens its largest franchise store at London

Multi-channel retailer, Marks & Spencer (M&S) has unveiled its largest store in the rail channel at London Waterloo station. To drive its expansion across the nation, M&S is targeting at high footfall travel locations by opening franchise store at there. The brand’s franchise partner for travel locations SSP will handle the store operations. SSP, which one of the pioneers in travel food business runs almost 58 M&S stores across the UK. The new outlet will house an in-store bakery and expanded food section in addition to stocking a range of M&S items, including a comprehensive ‘food on the move’ selection.    Steve Kemp, Head of Foods Operations and Hospitality, M&S, said, “We are delighted to be opening M&S’s largest station store alongside our long-standing franchise partner SSP. We look forward to bringing our innovative food and stylish clothing lines to all those who use or work at the station.”    Simon Smith, CEO, SSP UK and Ireland said, “The full line store will offer 5,000 square feet of general merchandise space, as well as a 4,500 square feet food hall. Having operated M&S Simply Food at busy stations and airports across the UK for many years, SSP has a strong track record in managing retail outlets in the travel sector, a sound understanding of the needs of our customers and logistics of the station environment. This made us the ideal partners for M&S as we embark on this exciting new venture.”   M&S began its operations in 1884. Since then the brand has branched out its network across the UK and globe turning out to be an international multi-channel retailer. The brand specialises in the selling of clothing, home products and luxury food.