M&S DPS_GF.qxp_Grid 08/04/2022 16:50 Page 1
RETAILER IN PROFILE
AT THE HEART Inset: Exterior view of M&S at Kingsley Village Retail Park, St Columb. Below: Heidi Woodhouse joined M&S as director of Home and Furniture in May 2020, having been at Dixons Carphone for 11 years. Below: Style ideas for the dining room as featured on M&S.com. Below right: View of M&S Home, Banbury Gateway.
Over the past two years, Marks & Spencer’s director of Home, Heidi Woodhouse has been instrumental in the reshaping of M&S Home. PH asked Heidi about the evolution of its Cook & Dine department and why consumers are seeing the iconic British retailer as a “go-to destination for all things Home.”
“Without a doubt the whole of the home market has changed dramatically through the pandemic,” acknowledges Heidi Woodhouse, director of Home & Furniture at Marks & Spencer. “I think that people view their homes differently now – as a place to work but also a key venue to entertain. People have spent more time cooking and preparing meals, and I don’t think this will change.” Part of a re-energised focus for M&S’ Cook & Dine sector is to enable consumers to prepare and cook food more quickly and easily for family and their outdoor spaces more as an friends. An example that sets the extension of their homes, to host scene for easy home entertaining is the and entertain.” own-brand retailer’s “amazing oven-toRecognising that the retailer has “huge tableware, which opportunities to grow in is not only the Home market,” Heidi As customers tighten their beautiful but acknowledges that M&S’ belts with the pressures on also really reputation for trusted finances, our customers will lightweight, so quality puts it in a strong be looking at both value and you don’t need position for the sustainability more than ever huge muscles!” challenges of 2022 too. notes Heidi. She “As customers tighten also observes that, when it comes to their belts with the pressures on finances, demand for Cook & Dine products: our customers will be looking at both “Outdoor entertaining is also big on the value and sustainability more than ever,” agenda - people are having fun dressing she reflects. “I believe M&S offers a their tables inside and out and utilising fantastic range of products at great prices
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PROGRESSIVE
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HOUSEWARES