M&S prepares for MetroCentre Lifestore launch

All retail roads lead to Newcastle next week for the unveiling of the first M&S Lifestore, at Gateshead's MetroCentre.

The shop, brainchild of M&S director of home and former Selfridges boss Vittorio Radice, opens on Wednesday.

According to M&S, the store will reflect the rituals of everyday life, rather than retail conventions. It will be divided into nine areas: rest, relax, renew, celebrate, cook, organise, play, escape and alfresco.

Radice - who has been speculatively linked to other roles, such as chief executive of Gucci - has also been given responsibility by M&S to oversee design and environment of new large and medium stores.