Looking back as new M&S foodhall opens in Kirkcaldy
The new M&S Foodhall at Fife Central Retail Park welcomed its first customers through the doors yesterday (Wednesday).
But as the it opens, we take a look back on the company’s long history in the town, having employed many local people throughout the generations, as well as looking to the future.
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Hide AdWhen it originally opened at 166 High Street almost 80 years ago the store’s floor space was around 8000 square feet.
Following a number of expansions over the years, including the latest refurbishment in 2014, the current store has over 23,000 square feet of floor space.
As times have changed in the decades since its opening, so too has the range of products and services that the store has offered Langtonians.
What you’ll find in the shop today is somewhat different to what was on offer before World War Two.
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Hide AdAnd during that war, the staff at the town’s M&S played an important role in the local community, with staff volunteering to be part of the air raid precaution team, fire-watching on the store roof and being trained in air raid precaution methods.
The new store has a team of 60 employees.
Anna Reekie, manager, said: “The retail park is there to complement the High Street. We are committed to the presence of a High Street store.”
Anna (28) who progressed through Marks and Spencer plc’s graduate scheme and previously spent two years working in the High Street shop, added: “We were joined for the opening by representatives from Bliss, which is our charity partnership for the year, and also by some of the players from Raith Rovers.’’