swordpress

M&S is making a huge change by opening a first-of-its-kind store that is perfect for Brits jetting off on their summer holidays.

The home of Percy Pig will open its first ever airside store at Heathrow Airport on Monday, July 21.

A mock image shows how the new M&S store will be laid out

It means jet setters will be able to stock up on iconic M&S food after going through security.

From tomorrow, holiday goers will be able to pick up sandwiches and sweets from its new branch at Gate A, located within Terminal 5 of the busy airport.

Later this week a second store will open at Gate B, which will sell gifts such as its popular biscuit tins as well as prepackaged food.

Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food said: “This launch builds on the success of our well-established landside airport stores across the UK and allows us to serve customers even closer to their departure gates.

“Whether travellers are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a British gift to take home, we’re aiming to bring some M&S magic to their journey through Heathrow.”

The high street stalwart already has seven branches across popular UK airports, including Luton and Manchester.

But this is the first time flyers can get their hands on its products after passing through security and waiting to board the plane.

It is not the first time in recent months that M&S has spruced up its store estate.

Last Autumn it opened its first ever standalone clothes store in London’s Battersea Power Station.

The new store features a curated selection of women’s and men’s clothing, focusing on premium lines and beauty products.

Earlier this year, the brand also said it would open six Foodhalls across London and revamp nearly a dozen sites after committing £90million to the investment.

It builds on the previous £30million investment made last year, and the extra £50million investment in stores across the Northwest of England.

The brand-new Foodhalls will open their doors in Covent Garden, Leytonstone, Clapham Common, Putney, New Malden and Fulham Broadway.

They will be completed “over the next few years, pending planning permisison”, according to M&S.

What else is new at M&S

Elsewhere, M&S said it would dish out treats to millions of customers as a thank you following its cyber attack.

Over 1.8 million customers will receive birthday gifts this month, and those who missed out in May and June will also be rewarded.

Eager customers will be able to choose between one of two of M&S’ bestselling food products.

These could include Percy Pigs or a Swiss Truffle Assortment Box, a Bouquet of Flowers or bottle of Prosecco, a punnet of Grapes or a packet of Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits.

Sparks birthday treats were among the casualties of the cyber attack for those who had a birthday over the spring and early summer.

It comes after M&S is picking up the pieces from a vicious cyber attack which occurred in April and cost the firm £300million in lost profits.

For weeks the beloved retailer was unable to process online orders and store shelves were left bare.

Last week, three teenagers and a woman were arrested in the UK as part of an investigation into attacks, which also targeted Co-op and Harrods.

They have since been released on bail.

HISTORY OF M&S

M&S was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds.

The first official Marks and Spencer store opened in Manchester in 1901.
Throughout the 1920s, M&SA gre rapidly, opening more and more stores across the country.
The retailer made its reputation in the early 20th century by selling only British-made products.
It began textile sales in 1926 and started selling food from 1931.
The St Michael trademark was introduced in 1928 as a guarantee of quality and value.
This was initially used only for a small range of textiles but was extended over the years to cover all goods sold by M&S.
M&S introduced its first in-store cafe in 1935 in the Leeds store.
It provided cheap, hygienic, and nutritious mass catering.
By 1942, M&S opened 82 cafes across its estate.
At the outbreak of the Second World War, M&S had 234 stores.
By 1945, over 100 of these had been damaged by bombs, and 16 had been completely destroyed.
BY 1960, M&S pioneered in the sale of fresh poultry following the invention of the cold-chain process.
In the 1970s and 1980s, M&S pushed into international markets including the US, Canada and France. 
In 1979, M&S introduced the Chicken Kiev to its food halls across the UK.
In 1992, Percy Pigs were launched.
The Autograph range of clothing was introduced in 2000, and the St Michael brand was slowly phased out.
In 2019, the group announced 110 store closures as part of its plans, affecting several longstanding high-street shops.
In September 2020, M&S partnered with Ocado to allow for home delivery of the chain’s full food range.
M&S has recently announced new stores and is freshening up a swathe of others in a boost for shoppers.