The revival of Marks & Spencer is set to continue with the expansion of its Simply Food format into more BP forecourt locations. The department store chain, which reported pre-tax profits up 32% to £405.1m for the six months to October, plans to roll out the concept into 200 forecourt stores from next year.
A pilot scheme launched in October 2005 saw eight BP Connect stores combining a selection of M&S fresh food, ready meals, sandwiches, wine, flowers and basic groceries with BP's Wild Bean Café multi-branded impulse lines and Ultimate fuel offers.
M&S chief executive Stuart Rose said that the trial had been a success. "We have now agreed with BP to roll this concept out to more forecourts, starting next year, and believe there is an opportunity in some 200 locations going forward," he added.
BP, which has agreed the rollout subject to completing contracts, said its customers had approved of the M&S insert, with 97% rating it good, very good or excellent. Store sales had increased significantly, it said, with transaction numbers up 60%, and larger average basket sizes.
A spokesman said: "We have proved we can operate the stores to the required standard cost-effectively."
A pilot scheme launched in October 2005 saw eight BP Connect stores combining a selection of M&S fresh food, ready meals, sandwiches, wine, flowers and basic groceries with BP's Wild Bean Café multi-branded impulse lines and Ultimate fuel offers.
M&S chief executive Stuart Rose said that the trial had been a success. "We have now agreed with BP to roll this concept out to more forecourts, starting next year, and believe there is an opportunity in some 200 locations going forward," he added.
BP, which has agreed the rollout subject to completing contracts, said its customers had approved of the M&S insert, with 97% rating it good, very good or excellent. Store sales had increased significantly, it said, with transaction numbers up 60%, and larger average basket sizes.
A spokesman said: "We have proved we can operate the stores to the required standard cost-effectively."
No comments yet