// M&S preps Rochdale store for spring opening
// The store will measure 200,000sq ft
Marks and Spencer has announced a spring opening for its new “family-focused” store at the Rochdale Riverside development.
The bellwether retailer said it has officially started work on the site.
The development is part of M&S’ store estate reshape programme, and will measure 200,000sq ft, offering retail and leisure for Rochdale’s town centre.
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The Riverside is a joint venture between Genr8 and Kajima, in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council.
M&S said it chose Riverside as the opening location to benefit from its catchment shopper population of over one million people.
The retailer said it will offer its usual food hall, as well as an additional Click & Collect point for its clothing division for convenience.
Up to 100 new and existing M&S colleagues will work at the new store with recruitment beginning via M&S’s careers website in spring 2020.
“M&S is changing and this has meant rigorously considering where we open stores as we reshape our estate,” M&S retail, operations and property director Sacha Berendji said.
“We’re focusing on locations that can best serve busy family shoppers – convenient locations with a great retail & leisure mix are key. Our store will be designed to offer everything families need for an easy shopping experience. In the heart of the Northern powerhouse we think this store will be a great addition to those we already have in the North West.”
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