M&S station shop opens (From Oxford Mail)

M&S station shop opens

5:05pm Thursday 29th January 2009

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Marks & Spencer has shrugged off the recession to open a new Simply Food store at Oxford rail station, creating 30 jobs.

The store is open seven days a week, and sells everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to ready meals, snacks, salads and prepared sandwiches.

There was a steady stream of customers when the store opened for business at 7am on Wednesday.

Lord Mayor of Oxford Susanna Pressel, who declared the shop officially open, said: “I’m delighted to welcome M&S Simply Food to the station.

“The store offers rail travellers and local residents variety, and a convenient solution for people working to a busy schedule.”

The store has opened as part of an agreement between M&S and station food specialists SSP UK Rail.

Bob Johnson, of SSP UK Rail, said: “The M&S Simply Food concept has already become a big hit with commuters across the UK, and we expect it to be equally successful here in Oxford.”

Store manager Mike McIntyre added: “I’m sure the store will be a useful addition to the shops that are already on the station concourse, and will be well used by commuters, local residents and students.”

The store is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 11pm on Saturday and 8am to 10pm on Sunday. M&S has a larger food store in Banbury Road, Summertown, as well as its main Queen Street store in the city centre.

Earlier this month, the chain announced plans to close 27 stores, including 25 Simply Food stores and two main stores, with the potential loss of up to 780 jobs.

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