Marks & Spencer opens at Stafford's Riverside

The new 44,000 sq ft store, which opened yesterday, is double the size of the former M&S store on Gaolgate Street and houses all departments, including a significantly increased choice in womenswear, menswear, kidswear and homeware.

The store also boasts a new beauty department, a 10,000 sq ft food hall and a 110-seat café with stunning views across the River Sow.

Store manager Matthew Bayley and long serving employee Jane Hazeldine – together with 150 members of the M&S Stafford team – cut the ribbon and celebrated the launch of the new store accompanied by the Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Geoff Collier.

The day saw hundreds of customers queuing outside the store in anticipation of the opening.

At 10am, customers were welcomed into the store with a glass of M&S Prosecco and music from Free Radio presenter, Ed Nell.

Shoppers enjoyed a morning of entertainment including an array of in-store tastings and opportunities to win M&S gift cards.

M&S style experts were on hand throughout the day to advise customers on how to wear the latest M&S trends and accessories.

Percy Pig was also at the store to greet the younger shoppers.

Matthew Bayley, store manager at M&S Stafford, said: "We're thrilled to have officially opened the doors to our Stafford customers today.

"It's great to be able to show off the fantastic work that's gone into developing our offer in Stafford and we're delighted to hear such positive feedback from shoppers.

"The relocation has created 50 job opportunities locally and we're able to offer customers the very best of M&S.

"We very much look forward to serving the community for many years to come."

As part of the opening celebrations, the family of one of M&S Stafford's first ever employees, Wilfred Wilding – who worked for the store in 1933 – were in attendance reminiscing about the history of M&S and its iconic journey as a high street retailer.

Younger shoppers were also kept busy with a design your own t-shirt competition.

The M&S store in Gaolgate Street closed on Wednesday at 5pm, with all staff relocating to Stafford Riverside.

M&S atRiverside Shopping Centre will be open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.