We’re watching the pennies more than ever right now, which may be why the opening of a new M&S outlet store near me caused such excitement.
The 6,000 square feet store launched recently, selling clothing and other products at discounted prices. Always one to save money where I can, I headed along to the shop to see what bargains it had.
I probably would have picked up some school uniform but, while there was plenty of it, they didn’t have my child’s sizes so that was a little disappointing.
But there was plenty more to choose from, including everything from underwear and swimwear to bedding, candles and other homeware. It’s mostly clothes, though, including quite a large suit section where a few people were eagerly trying on the jackets.
I came away with a couple of things I needed: a new vest top, which cost me just £4.50 reduced from the usual £6.50, and some pyjamas for just £8.50, down from £12.50.
They’re not far off Primark prices really, where similar styles of 100% cotton pyjamas, with short sleeve tops and full leg bottoms, sell from £7. They had quite a lot of designs to choose from, including some with tartan bottoms and some more wintry styles with long sleeves and star patterns.
More than 20 new staff have been recruited to join the 28-strong team at the new store in Warrinton, which also sells kidswear and a curated range of home and beauty products.
There isn’t a food hall and some shoppers have already expressed their disappointment over that but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
There are already a number of M&S outlet stores in the UK (and in the Greater Manchester area alone, where I live). This one is one of 16 new stores M&S is opening across the UK this financial year, backed by a £300m investment, as part of its store rotation strategy.