Marks & Spencer eyes out-of-town store prospects

Recently appointed M&S retail director Mark McKeon has highlighted opportunities for an out-of-town push.

'There is a whole sector we haven't gone after,' he said. He sees opportunities in retail parks and outlet centres.

McKeon, former president for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Starbucks, was appointed in March as executive director for retail, international and outlets. He will also take responsibility for the entire M&S store portfolio, once plans for an overhaul by executive director for general merchandise Vittorio Radice have been set in motion.

The changeover will take place in 12 months, said McKeon. Radice's overhaul includes a store-by-store review of city centre sites. There are already plans to move the Bristol store.