Marks & Spencer is set to create one of the most “eco-friendly and visually impressive” stores in the north east.
The retailer will transform its Newcastle Northumberland Street shop into an iconic building filled with cutting-edge technology as part of its wider sustainable business strategy, Plan A. The eco-store’s green credentials will hit shoppers straight away, with M&S building a 167 sq m plant wall around the store. This will offer attract wildlife, creating a home for birds and insects.
“The green wall will make the store a standout on Northumberland Street. It is hugely exciting that M&S Newcastle has been chosen for this refit,” said store manage Nikki McKidd. “We cannot wait to unveil the new store.”
Instore, M&S will kit out the shop with LED fridge lighting to help boost energy efficiency by 20%. The store will also boast intelligent door sensors and a heat reclaim system. Any excess heat will be sent back through the store, with heat pumps designed to warm shoppers’ feet whilst they are in the deli area or refrigerated Food Hall aisles.
The Newcastle store will be the first large store M&S has given such a technological revamp, following Plan A refits at four Simply Food sites last year.
“This project signals our intent to regenerate and invest into Northumberland Street, improving not only customer experience, but also providing a striking vista on the high street,” said M&S head of engineering and energy efficiency Chris Marney.
At the Newcastle store M&S will also be irrigating rainwater through the green wall, upgrading to more energy efficient fridge units and using new air curtains to help keep warmth instore.
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