Shoppers queue in eager anticipation of opening of M&S store in Peterborough

Customers pour into the new look Marks and Spencer store at Queensgate. EMN-160226-122915009

The 50,000 sq ft store has received multi-million pound investment to bring all departments - womenswear, menswear, lingerie, kidswear, homewear, beauty and a 10,000 sq ft foodhall - under one roof.

Store manager Emma Burrell and employee Margaret Porter, who has worked for M&S for 50 years, celebrated the launch with a ribbon cutting ceremony with 100 M&S employees.

They were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Peterborough Cllr John Peach and Janet Martin.

Store manager Emma Burrell and long serving employee Margaret Porter.

Customers were queuing outside the store in anticipation of the opening and at 10am they were welcomed in with a glass of M&S Prosecco and music from Connect FM’s presenter, Daniel Fox.

As part of the store’s celebrations, customers were treated to chocolate tasting by Kinnerton in the Foodhall, as well as free face painting for the little ones in the refurbished Kidswear Department.

Store manager Emma Burrell said: “We’re thrilled to have officially opened the doors to our Peterborough customers, it’s lovely to show off the fantastic work that has gone into our new store over the last couple of months.

“It now not only demonstrates the very best of M&S, but also our commitment to serving local customers in Peterborough.

Opening the store with Mayor Cllr John Peach, Mayoress Janet Martin, store manager Emma Burrell and Margaret Porter, who has worked for M&S for 50 years. EMN-160226-122900009

“It’s been great to hear customer feedback on the new design and layout of the store.

“I look forward to welcoming even more familiar faces into the store over the coming weeks and hopefully some new customers too.”

Valerie Goody from Bretton, who was one of the first customers in the store, said: “I think the new store is marvellous – there is so much to see, and such a big range to choose from.

“The staff are as good as always, and I’m looking forward to many visits back to the new M&S store.”

As part of the opening celebrations, M&S was offering manicures in its new Beauty Department in return for a small donation towards the store’s Charity of the Year, East Anglia Air Ambulance.

The store have been continuously supporting the charity since April 2015 and have already raised over £1,000 for the cause.

The opening of the new three storey store has meant the closure of the M&S store in Bridge Street, Peterborough.