Man heartbroken over closure of Newark Marks and Spencer in 2019 one of many to attend grand opening of M&S Foodstore at Maltings Retail Park
A man heartbroken over the closure of Marks and Spencer in Newark was one of around 100 people at the grand opening of the town's new M&S Foodstore this morning.
Michael Vickers, of Newark, said he had shopped at M&S for more than 50 years and was devastated when the Stodman Street store shut in 2019.
He said he liked the layout of the new Maltings Retail Park store on Northgate, and that he would no longer have to travel to Lincoln or Grantham to do his shopping.
"Newark needs this," said Mr Vickers.
"It is very easy for doing your shopping, with a far superior range — I will come here at least once a week.
"We have shopped at M&S for more than 50 years and we were heartbroken when the old store closed, and it broke the town.
"It is lovely to see all the staff are friendly and happy."
Elaine Jones, of Collingham, was also one of the first customers at the grand opening and received a golden ticket for some free cookies.
"It is absolutely fantastic, I'm so pleased we've got M&S back in Newark," said Ms Jones.
"I was devastated when the Stodman Street store closed, I used to go there for food and clothing — M&S has been a big part of my life."
She added the layout of the store was welcoming, with items displayed nicely.
"I treated myself to some pasta dishes today," she said. "Normally I would have to go to Lincoln so it's a bonus we've got one so close now.
"I think it's going to be an excellent success and it is a lot bigger than I thought it would be."
Also at the grand opening was Sue Gray, constituency secretary for Newark MP Robert Jenrick.
The 18,000sq ft M&S unit has been under construction since 2020 and the retail park also features a Costa Coffee, with a Greggs set to come soon.
What do you think of the new M&S Foodstore? Let us know in the comments.
