Hundreds queue up at opening of the new Marks & Spencer Simply Food in Yate Shopping Centre
Date Posted:05/06/2013
MORE than 200 people queued up to be the first customers at Yate’s new Marks and Spencer Simply Food store.
The highly-anticipated opening this morning was watched by bumper crowds of eager shoppers, who saw store manager Rob Mathias cut the ribbon to the brand new 9,000 square feet supermarket.
Most of the 80 staff employed at the new store were on hand to welcome customers, offer them complimentary drinks and tastings and give away prizes.
Mr Mathias told the Gazette: "A lot of our staff wanted to come and work today. There is definitely a very positive feeling among the staff.
"It has been a lot of hard work getting ready but we are really pleased to be bringing a Simply Food store to Yate."
He added: "It’s great to finally welcome customers into the new store and show them what we have been working on for the past few months.
"The feedback we have received from customers has been fantastic, particularly commenting on the range of products available and the look and feel of the new store.
"We believe the new store brings the best in quality and fresh food to shoppers in Yate and we look forward to welcoming customers into the store over the weeks and months to come."
The shop features an in-store bakery, 50-seater café and the popular M&S Shop Your Way service.
The unit is one of three others to open recently, including Sports Direct and Costa Coffee, and is part of an ongoing investment programme by Yate Shopping Centre.
The new store will open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 10.30am to 4pm.
