THE new M&S Food store in New Milton has opened its doors to customers.

Queues of shoppers gathered outside the new M&S store in Station Road in New Milton for its grand opening on Thursday, April 21. 

The shop is one of the first in the country to have the new marketplace-feel food hall design, with in-store features including new fresh product displays full of fruit and veg and a large in-store bakery serving fresh bread and pastries throughout the day.

Bournemouth Echo:

Team manager at the New Milton store, Hayley, said: “It’s a nice vibrant store and its completely different to anything on the high street.

“We’ve got a really good range of about 5.,000 lines. Anything you want you can find in store.

“We cater for everyone, so I think the new store is going to bring an abundance of people.”

Read more: Marks and Spencer foodhall in New Milton to open in April

The new M&S opened at 9am on Thursday, but the first customers began to queue after 7am.

Paula, a Christchurch resident who waited outside the store for an hour and a half ahead of its opening, said: “I’m excited to see something new.

“We’ve got an M&S foodhall in Christchurch but it’s just nice to have more choice.”

Bournemouth Echo:

The grand opening also saw the first 200 customers receive a golden ticket, giving them a chance to win products, including a pack of the famous M&S Percy Pigs.

Read more: Newest café opening in Bournemouth is a 'fusion of Sicily and England'

Ahead of its opening, store manager Mr Caufield-Lawrence said: “We’ve been delighted to see local customers getting excited about the development of the store and can’t wait to share what the new foodhall has to offer.

“Whether you’re looking for a convenient option for your big family food shop, a quick snack on the go or a restaurant quality meal with our Dine-In meal deal options – we’ve got you covered.”

Customers will also be able to make the most of convenient ways to pay, with plenty of checkouts for speedy service, and a mobile Scan & Shop option available via the M&S App and a new digital Click and Collect service.

The foodhall will be open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.