THE new M&S superstore at Cheshire Oaks will introduce a ‘completely new way of shopping’ to its customers.

That’s the pledge from store manager Hilary Wilkinson, who says the 148,000sq ft building, which opens to the public at 10am today (Wednesday) has so much on offer that visitors can spend an entire day exploring its aisles.

Customers can expect the latest and best in M&S products, including the new autumn/winter clothing collections, Savile Row Inspired suiting and a 3,700sq ft beauty department, as well as one of the largest food halls in the country.

At the helm of it all is Hilary, who is more than qualified for her role, having previously worked in managerial roles at M&S stores in Macclesfield, Birkenhead, Warrington and on London’s Oxford Street.

She is prepared for a different kind of customer base but believes the qualities customers expect from their store remains the same everywhere.

“Although the make-up of the customers in London is slightly more international, one of the great things about M&S is that customers can expect a high level of service and good-quality offer whether you’re in London, Glasgow, Cardiff or Cheshire Oaks,” said Hilary, 46.

“Some of the things we will offer are unique in that Cheshire Oaks will be one of the first stores to offer them.

“For example, we will be the first store to offer the Savile Row Inspired collection and the first to debut the new look, large-format Home offer.

“There’s so much going on at the store that you could spend hours there; it has a huge fashion offering, which includes a 30,000sq ft womenswear section along with menswear and kidswear, the huge beauty and accessories department, and there’s even an area surrounding the building that includes a landscaped swale area where customers can enjoy a little bit of peaceful calm too.”

But Hilary thinks one of the most impressive aspects about the new store is its eco-credentials and she describes it as ‘pioneering’ in terms of its sustainability.

“I personally want to ensure customers appreciate and understand the thinking and effort that has gone into making this store our greenest,” she said.

“We’re doing a lot to help educate our customers but it very much is a long-term process.

“But it’s a totally new way of shopping, in a brand new, sustainable building which is built to the highest specification and offers a really exciting shopping experience.

“It’s definitely a draw for our customers; people keep telling us how interested they are in the store’s eco-credentials and I think it will remain an attraction for them.”

And, after an incredible 40,000 hours spent training the store’s 500 staff members, Hilary believes the Cheshire Oaks team will play a big part in its success.

She added: “The big focus for me and the team is making Cheshire Oaks the best that M&S has got to offer in everything we do.

“That’s everything from how we delight our customers to our product range and the knowledge the team have got about the eco-credentials of the store.

“For me, the most important thing is the staff and I firmly believe that I’ve got the best team possible and that they will make every effort to impress customers at every stage.

“This is such an exciting project to be involved in – Cheshire Oaks is a such a unique store and I am thrilled to be taking the helm.”

The opening hours of the new store are 9am-10pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sundays.