THE new M&S Foodhall in Stretford has opened for business.

The store was officially opened on March 31 by store manager Robert Pilkington, with colleagues welcoming customers in to explore the 10,000 sq ft premises.

The company says its store will provide an exciting new retail offer to Stretford as the area continues to undergo regeneration.

Mr Pilkington, who has almost a decade of experience with M&S, is joined by a team of 61 employees. A total of 36 new roles were created by the store opening.

He said: “We have been so excited to open our doors to our new customers. Our new store has something for everyone, whether they are looking to grab a coffee and lunch on their way to work, to locals doing their weekly shop.

"Not only are we one of the biggest Foodhalls in Greater Manchester, but we are also in a great location – close to Manchester City Centre and Trafford’s top sports stadiums.”

James Maule-Ffinch, Senior Asset Manager at The Derwent Group, the owners of White City Retail Park, said: “The Derwent Group is very excited to welcome a brand as popular as M&S to the retail mix at White City Retail Park.

"With such prominent names taking space it is great to see that White City Retail Park is well on its way back to its former glory.”

One of the first customers to M&S Foodhall Stretford said: “It is fantastic that M&S has opened in Stretford as it’s right on my doorstep. The store looks beautiful and has a lot of fantastic products and ranges. I am really looking forward to shopping here in the near future.”-