Marks & Spencer are looking at ways to bring a range of frozen foods to the Island, according to M&S boss Paul Dean.

The general manager of the Reid Street store said: "We have explored the possibility of bringing in frozen products and we are hopeful that, at some point in the future, we'll be able to accommodate the Bermuda public."

Hurdles include finding a local partner to store frozen products plus logistical issues such as shipping.

However, the biggest constraint at the moment is lack of floor space to display the products. "If we could acquire more space, there are two areas of potential - food and homeware." said Mr. Dean.

The current M&S range of non-perishable foods does extremely well and the food and wine section is at its busiest at Christmas time. Particularly popular are the jars of ready prepared sauces. " You take a bit of chicken, fry it with olive oil and add one of our sauces and it's just gorgeous," he enthused.

Not so popular are the Bermuda prices for M&S goods. It's a major bone of contention, particularly with British Bermuda residents, that the prices of M&S goods in Bermuda are sometimes three times their price in the UK.

Mr. Dean described the prices of M&S products as "in keeping with other local retailers." He added that there are many hidden charges such as air freight and duty which M&S have to cover as well as a "horrendous exchange rate of $1.6 to the pound."

But he acknowledged that the store needs to avoid leaving the UK prices shown on the goods, which tends to "rub salt in the wound" as far as UK expatriates are concerned.

Pressed on their plans for the frozen produce, Mr. Dean acknowledged: "I have no doubt that everyone here is gagging for us to bring in frozen foods... But it goes back to our motto: `see it, like it, buy it'." In other words, the M&S high standards of merchandising cannot be compromised by cramming a new product line into insufficient display space.

This philosophy is also evident from the stark contrast between the M&S clothing departments and some other other local stores.

The M&S ladies department deliberately carries limited numbers of the same garment, said M&S ladies buyer, Kiona Estravit. This ensures that the shop floor is not overcrowded with merchandise.

But it also leads to criticism that it is difficult to find a garment in the right size. Ms Estravit defended the limited stock saying: "We are trying to train our customers to buy something they like when they see it. If they wait around it might not be there the next week." She added that Bermudian women do not like to see others wearing the same garment.

According to Ms Estravit, M&S ladies department has now shed its reputation in Bermuda for being "fuddy duddy" and the clothes are now known for their excellent quality.

She added that M&S is a also good place to look for "must have" fashion pieces to update your wardrobe. The clothes are fashion conscious but not too outlandish.

This season the biggest influence is the chinoiserie as demonstrated by the range of kimono neckline tops and embroidered capri pants. "Cargo is also big again," said Ms Estravit.

Today she is expecting to receive a new shipment including the tremendously popular linen line. The new garments will be in the store tomorrow.

Asked whether M&S remains the "English" store on the Island, Ms Estravit and Mr. Dean agreed that the store does capitalise on its "English" heritage. "There is an element of people looking for that English product, like teas."

However, they said that the Bermuda franchise has a very distinct character.

In terms of fashion, Ms Estravit said that they are heavily influenced by the US market.

"We're not only competing with the stores down the street, but also gateway cities in the US."

All the ladies clothing is specially selected for the Bermuda market by Ms Estravit. She commented that it is not always easy to buy for this market from a collection meant for the UK. "In February we would like to get a slew of capri pants and they're not ready yet."

A new range, `Limited Edition' is on its way and should be available for September. She hopes that it will do well in Bermuda. "It's a very youthful line with a younger fit," she revealed.

Mr. Dean revealed that the store will also be introducing an award-winning new line of completely washable mens' suits.

It sounds incredible, but according to Mr. Dean you can just throw them in the washing machine and they look great.

The Marks & Spencer franchise is owned by The English Sports Shop Group in Bermuda and was acquired by them when they took over Archie Brown.

According to Mr. Dean, M&S has made a positive financial contribution to the group for the past three years and in spite of difficult economic this year, the store is looking to exceed its performance last year.