M&S Bank to launch in summer 2012

Over the next two years, 50 Marks & Spencer Bank branches will open in M&S stores across the UK, with the first branch scheduled to open in July. M&S says that branches will be open twice as long as traditional high street banks as they will mirror store opening hours. This will enable customers to bank while they shop. A current account will be made available from autumn 2012 and customers will have access to online banking. Over 3 million customers already use M&S Money products, including credit cards, loans and savings. The launch of M&S Bank will create 500 new UK roles by the end of 2013. This includes 400 customer-facing roles in branches across the country and around 100 roles at the company's Chester based head office. The banking facilities will be provided by HSBC. June 8, 2012