M&S trials grab-and-go coffee shops
M&S is introducing more grab-and-go food and drink options in its cafes as its looks to attract lunchtime customers and younger shoppers away from major coffee shop chains.
According to The Telegraph, the retailer is trialling a revamp of its cafes which have traditionally been popular with elderly customers who are more likely to sit down for hot meals and tea and cake.
The changes include making more food available to buy and eat on the go and training kitchen staff to speed up food preparation time. M&S is also making improvements to technology to make ordering speedier for customers.
While the trial is taking place in a just a small number of stores, M&S told The Telegraph that the performance has been “really encouraging” at cafes in Dundee and Fosse Park which opened a few weeks ago.
The move forms part of the retailer’s plans to target customers who may go to chains such as Pret A Manger and Costa. M&S told the publication it wants to “build on our position as one of the top high street cafes”.
The retailer currently has more than 300 cafe sites across the UK.
