UK brand given new look

       Central Department Store Co, the local franchisee of the UK-based Marks &Spencer chain, plans to introduce a new look for all outlets to celebrate the store's 125th anniversary.
       The revamp has been launched at the new store at CentralPlaza Chaengwattana and received a good response from customers,said Nidsinee Chirathivat, Central Department Store's executive vice-president for merchandise.
       The store's new look also won an award from the parent firm as one of the top seven stores in terms of store design among its network across 30 countries.
       Central Department Store is investing 10 million baht to implement the second new concept store at Bang Na. Marks &Spencer Bang Na will have a modern look and be easy for customer to buy products, she said.
       The company will then make over its outlets on Rama III Road this year and another two at Pin Klao and Rama II next year.
       By 2010, the company expects all 10 of its current outlets will be fully modernised at a cost of 5-10 million baht,depending on store size.
       "The company expects sales of Marks & Spencer will rise by 20% after the completion of all renovation works,"said Ms Nidsinee.
       Marks & Spencer started improving its store concept last year with an aim of modernising its look for all outlets worldwide.
       Yuwadee Chirathivat, the company's president said the company has also completed a 300-million-baht facelift at Central Department Store Bang Na,aimed at upgrading the store's image to be on par with that of the Chidlom branch. At least 17 fashion brands including Next Phase and Muji were added.