Marks & Spencer has officially opened its first Foodhall in the Scottish seaside town of Largs, with doors opening at 10am on Thursday, August 13. The 9,000 sq. ft store, located on Main Street, features the retailer's 'fresh market-style' concept and has created 50 jobs for the local community.
Store details and opening hours
The new Foodhall brings M&S' "great quality food and trusted value products to the coastal town". Opening hours run from 8:30am to 8:30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 7pm on Sunday. For the first time, Largs locals can shop M&S' popular 'picky bits', with more than 100 everyday staples from the budget-friendly 'Remarksable Value' line also on shelves.
Shoppers will find a dedicated Click & Collect point for online fashion, home, and beauty orders, with customer parking available for convenience. The retailer said a "successful recruitment drive" has created 50 jobs for the local community.
Opening celebrations
The ribbon cutting ceremony was led by M&S colleague Karen and North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson. Largs & District Pipe Band, which counts two M&S workers as part-time members, welcomed the first customers. Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar, two of the retailer's iconic characters, also made appearances. M&S has urged shoppers who queued outside to "share" their videos and pictures on the official Largs M&S Facebook page.
Community reaction and investment
The Largs Foodhall has been anticipated since plans were first lodged with North Ayrshire council in October 2021. After five years in development, work began following M&S' £30 million investment into its Scottish estate. On Facebook, shoppers expressed delight, with one writing: "Brilliant! Save me going to Irvine weekly." Another commented: "Was in this morning, store looks fantastic and a great team well done to everyone." A third said: "It’s such a benefit to Largs!"
Mhairi McIntosh, Store Manager for M&S in Largs, said: “We are thrilled to have officially opened our doors and welcomed the Largs community to their first-ever M&S. After much anticipation, seeing the store come to life has been a proud moment for our entire team and it is rewarding that the opening has created opportunities for local people in customer service and operations, I can’t wait to see them progress. The brand-new food store is packed with the very best of M&S, from our fresh Select Farms produce to our delicious in-store bakery, and we can’t wait to show everyone what we have in store.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP for Cunninghame North said: “The new Marks & Spencer’s is a welcome addition for Largs. Many local people will be delighted by the extra choice and jobs this store will bring, as well as the confidence in Largs this investment shows. I wish the store manager and staff every success.” Provost Anthea Dickson added: "I am delighted to attend the official opening of the new M&S Foodhall in Largs. This fantastic investment is a massive boost for our local economy, bringing a much longed-for shopping choice to the heart of the town and creating valuable new jobs for our community. After much anticipation, seeing this state-of-the-art store finally open its doors is a proud moment for everyone involved. It is a clear vote of confidence in North Ayrshire, and I wish the management and staff every success as they welcome their very first customers today."
