A brand-new M&S food hall has opened in a UK town, boosting shoppers and creating dozens of new jobs. The new store in Hatfield officially opened earlier this week at Oldings Corner Retail Park. It is understood that the project cost the retailer around £3million.
More than 80 jobs have been created, including roles for people supported through M&S’s Marks & Start employability scheme. The opening is part of a wider expansion, with the Hatfield site one of 16 new M&S stores launched across the UK this financial year.
Shoppers were quick to visit on opening day, with queues forming outside the store before doors opened.
Customers were greeted by a giant inflatable Percy Pig upon arrival.
Store manager Laura McCafferty said the response from shoppers had been positive from the start.
She told Welwyn Hatfield Times: “We have had such an amazing response from customers since opening and it was brilliant to see a queue of customers waiting to come into the store yesterday.”
She added: “It was a really special moment to have Sam, who has worked for M&S for 36 years, cut the ribbon and an especially proud moment for me, having started as a Christmas temp 19 years ago.”
Inside, the food hall offers a wide range of products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery items and a hot chicken counter.
There is also a click and collect service and a dedicated flower shop. Laura explained that customers can expect a full selection of M&S products.
She said: “We have almost the entire M&S Food range available for customers, from grocery essentials to fresh produce, household must-haves to the latest new product launches.”
She added: “Customers will also find our Remarkable Value and Bigger Pack Better Value ranges throughout the store – delivering trusted value with the exceptional quality we’re known for.”
The store was first announced in August 2024, although its opening was delayed due to a planning application challenge.
M&S Hatfield Oldings Corner also shared a message with shoppers on its new Facebook page to mark the opening.
The company said: “Welcome to your incredible new Hatfield Oldings Corner Foodhall. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure every detail of your new store delivers the very best shopping experience – every time you visit us.”
It added: “Our shelves are stacked with all the M&S favourites you know and love, plus plenty of new goodies to discover. We’re so excited to finally welcome you through the doors.
“We’re now open 8am daily (and 10am on Sundays) and can’t wait to keep welcoming you into your brand-new store.”