Marks and Spencer are set to open their new store at a North East shopping centre today (Thursday, May 30).

M&S is opening at its new location in The Galleries in Washington after closing its Simply Food store yesterday (May 29).

The new store will open at 9am, a few doors down from the old branch.

Marks and Spencer has thanked customers for their patience and said it cannot wait to welcome them to the new store.

Rob Slone, store manager for the Washington Galleries location, has worked at M&S for more than 20 years.

He said: “We are really excited to announce that the new M&S The Galleries store will open on Ma 30. I can’t wait to open the doors this month and welcome the local community in so they can see the very best of M&S for themselves.

"Whether you’re looking for a big family food shop or the latest Spring/Summer styles from our Clothing department – we’ve got you covered.

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“We always want to offer a brilliant shopping experience and my team and I will be on hand to help, recommend new products or even offer some style advice. The countdown is on.”

Speaking on the opening, Andrew Crooks, regional manager for M&S, said: “We’re really excited to announce our plans to invest in the local area and open a brand new, larger M&S Store at Washington Galleries, which will offer local customers a much bigger range of M&S products in our larger Foodhall and brand new Clothing & Home departments.

“This investment in the local area is part of how we’re rotating our store estate to make sure we have the right stores to deliver an excellent shopping experience for our customers.”