EPPING: M&S deny hapless student campers free bubbly

4:11pm Friday 19th September 2008

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TWO hapless students who camped out overnight to take advantage of a free drink offer at a new Marks & Spencer store were denied a glass of bubbly because they are too young.

A queue had formed outside the High Street shop well before the much-awaited opening of the Simply Food store, but no one could have beaten Nick Lowry and his friend Jonathan Cooper through the doors after they pitched a tent to ensure they were the first customers inside.

But they were in for a disappointment when they were told they were not allowed a glass of complimentary champagne because they were not 21.

Leeds University student Nick, 19, of Bury Road, in Epping, said: “We were walking past the store and saw it was opening the next day and thought wouldn’t it be funny if someone loved M&S so much they camped outside for the opening.

“So because we’re students and have a lot of spare time on our hands, that’s exactly what we did. But when it opened we weren’t even allowed the free champagne!”

The comical pair then added another twist to their tale by lining up at the till – with just a potato.

Nick said: “We just thought it would be funny to say ‘I camped outside M&S all night and all I bought was a potato’.”

The 12,000sq.ft premises previously occupied by the Co-op, were unveiled by store manager Michelle Bell who cut the ribbon.

Store manager Michelle Bell said: “We had a fantastic opening day and heard some excellent feedback from our customers who have really enjoyed visiting the store for the first time. It’s great to have been so warmly welcomed to the area.”

Sue Long, sales assistant at the Glad Rags shop, which also specialises in occasion-wear clothing, thinks the new M&S shop is positive for the High Street.

She said: “I don’t think it will affect us at all. We’re completely individual and they’re mass marketing. I think it’s good for the whole High Street and will bring in more customers. Everybody in the town seems to be happy about it.”

Epping Town Partnership secretary Doreen Corsi said: “For me it’s wonderful. I’m an M&S customer and I’m pleased it has opened. Two people from M&S came to speak at our last meeting and gave us an overview of what’s happening and it all sounded very positive.

“Nobody has voiced any objections about it. I think it will attract people into the High Street and the Town Partnership has no objections.”

The store will open from 8am to 8pm on Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.