In a bid to live its vision to be the world’s most sustainable major retailer by 2015, UK-based clothing brand Marks & Spencer opened a high street sustainable learning store in India.

Located in South Extension Market in Delhi, the 20,000 sqft store trading over three floors was constructed hosting a range of sustainable features that supports reduced waste and energy usage.

Sustainable features include solar reflective tiles that keep the store cool, heat transmitting glass helping to maintain in-store temperatures and cut UV ray penetration by 90 per cent, energy meters to monitor the store’s energy performance, use of Energy Star certified equipment, dedicated recycling bins, rain water harvesting, reserved parking spaces for car pools and the use of rapidly renewable raw materials, such as engineered wood.

“We’re delighted to open our new store at Delhi’s premier shopping destination. It’s a pleasure to welcome customers across Delhi to our first sustainable high street store, which not only helps the environment but also provides us with invaluable learnings as we continue to build our presence in India,” said manager Yogesh Yadav, M&S, South Extension.

As well as its sustainable features, the store offers collections of menswear, womenswear, beauty, accessories, lingerie and sleepwear under its Limited Collection, Blue Harbour, Collezione, North Coast, Indigo Collection, Autograph, M&S Man and M&S Woman brands.

“It’s a pleasure to open our new store in Delhi with our latest fashion collections. Customers can choose from must-have bright colours across our clothing and accessories ranges to elegant tailoring and vintage-inspired lingerie. In menswear, we’ve translated key British heritage styles into a stylish collection of quality wardrobe staples,” said Luke Banks, head of buying and merchandising in India.

Having entered India in 2001 and partnered with India’s Reliance Retail in 2008, Marks & Spencer now has 25 stores across the country.

GB