Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Marks & Spencer (M&S) announced yesterday (Wednesday August 2) a trial of fresh sushi counters in partnership with sushi specialist Wasabi.
The retailer said the aim of the initiative is to bring customers ‘expertly prepared fresh products, while improving the in-store experience with a touch of theatre’.
The counters, located in M&S Foodhalls, will sell an extensive range of Wasabi’s products, with the focus on prepared raw sushi and hot meals. As a concession service, customers will order at the Wasabi counters and pay at the M&S checkout, allowing them to easily purchase from both brands.
The co-branded partnership is the first of its kind for both M&S and Wasabi. The trial will start at five stores (four in London) with all counters due to open before Christmas. The companies said they will be ‘listening carefully to customer feedback to develop the roll-out’.
M&S food director Andy Adcock commented: “We put the customer at the heart of everything we do and we’re excited that this partnership will see us bring new products and a new experience to our customers. Health, convenience and food ‘on the move’ are all growing areas of our business and by working with an expert partner, we know we can offer our customers the very best.”
The news comes as M&S expands its presence in London with the launch of a new store at Bishopsgate last week – one of seven that will open over the coming year in the capital.
