Marks & Spencer (M&S) has signed a three-year deal with IBM to refresh its in-store technology.

IBM will manage the deployment of upgraded IT across the retailer's 400-plus UK and Ireland shops, including this year's implementation of Beanstore point-of-sale systems from IBM partner PCMS.

‘The investment is an important part of our store modernisation programme, which is designed to improve the overall shopping experience for our customers, including better and faster service at the till point,’ said IT director Darrell Stein.

M&S said earlier this year that it would increase supply chain and technology spending from £39m in 2006 to £114m this year.