A store manager is set to star in a behind-the-scenes documentary about Marks & Spencer at Christmas.
Rob Slone manages 200 colleagues at the M&S store at Silverlink in North Tyneside. The 40-year-old has worked with M&S for 19 years and has managed the store at the shopping park for the past 18 months.
For the first time, M&S has opened its doors to ITV so customers can see how the magic of Christmas food is developed and made. Rob is set to be the star of the show, giving viewers an insight into how the high-street retailer prepares for the festive season.
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He will make his debut on national television when the one-off documentary 'Inside M&S At Christmas' airs tonight at 9pm. Over the course of the hour-long episode, viewers will meet product developers, store colleagues, key suppliers and customers.
Rob will be seen marshalling his troops to get the food and drink section ready for Christmas, with support from Deputy Store Manager, Josh Cooper.
Rob, who lives in Killingworth, North Tyneside, said: "The team and I were so excited to be involved in this documentary. As retailers, we love nothing more than helping customers find the perfect food products for their celebrations throughout the year – and what’s a more magical celebration than Christmas?
"December is undoubtedly a frantic month for the team, but one of the most rewarding and fun as we stock our shelves with quality foods, drinks and gifts for shoppers to enjoy and bring a touch of M&S magic to everyone’s festivities. I can’t wait to see my team and store on the show!"
M&S, which was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Tom Spencer, usually doubles its market share at Christmas. The documentary offers unprecedented access to every element of the business' food operation as it strives to make this Christmas the most magical and delicious festive period in its 138-year history.
Sharry Cramond, Director of Marketing and Hospitality at M&S Food, said: "Since long before I joined the business, M&S food has been synonymous with Christmas and customers always turn to us at this important time of year for some M&S magic. This year, more than ever, they have told us that they want to protect Christmas and put food at the heart of it.
"In this ITV show we lift the lid on how we create the magic and show the lengths that our suppliers and developers go to – going that extra mile to produce the most exciting and delicious Christmas products, all carefully sourced and manufactured to the high standards customers expect and always offering fantastic value.
"Christmas at M&S is fun, frantic and full-on as we get ready for the most exciting time of the year with colleagues pulling out all the stops to make Christmas extra special – and ITV cameras have captured it all. I can’t wait for the show."
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