The fashion floor has been developed as a white canvas, allowing the product to become the visual focus. Clear sightlines are ensured by the use of transparent, high-level glass fixtures and clear signage. The white canvas is augmented by the controlled use of colour and graphics in, for example, the childrenswear and Per Una departments. But it could be argued that the approach is similar to that of other contemporary, high-street retailers.
The boldest statement is the food hall, where strong accent lighting, dark environmental finishes and the creative use of branding allows the produce to become the hero. There is an air of freshness and quality, reflected in the use of mint-coloured text on signs, product images and chalkboard drawings reminiscent of the days when greengrocers would price their goods in this way.
However, the cafe has been poorly executed. There is no intimacy, with customers on display like the products around them. The layout is ill-conceived and the branding elements do not have strength of direction.
Overall, the store provides a shopping environment that reflects the improved desirability of the product range, and should maintain M&S' upturn in fortunes.
Design: In-house.
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