Marks and Spencer has become the first retailer to launch an on-the-spot payment solution called Pay With Me. It allows customers to beat the queues in the last few days before Christmas.

Helen Milford, M&S Stores Director said: “Throughout the year our teams have done a fantastic job of adapting quickly to serve our customers through challenging and changing circumstances.

“In preparation for Christmas, we have put in place extensive measures to make shopping quicker, easier and safer for everyone — from our longest ever opening hours through to digital queue busting solutions such as our new ‘Pay with Me’ — now in over 200 stores.

“In these final few days we’re focused on delivering for our customers to help them make the most of their Christmas, however they might be celebrating.”

The retailer has also installed 1,000 additional self-service tills and rolled out Scan & Shop.

Customers can also skip the queue outside of the supermarket if there is one by using M&S’s service called Sparks Book & Shop.

The system allows customers to reserve a shopping slot at a time that suits them and entitles them to skip any queue outside.

The retailer is also encouraging shoppers to shop alone this Christmas to help customers stay a safe distance from one another in-store.

M&S Retail operations and property director Sacha Berendji said: “Our store teams have been incredible throughout this time, and this Christmas season they’re stepping up again to keep everyone safe, and to help keep Christmas special.

“After this year, we know customers want to deliver the magic for their loved ones – from the food they love to the perfect thoughtful gift – so we want to play our part to make shopping easier.

“This Christmas, in addition to our extensive hygiene measures, we’re offering our longest-ever opening hours and important new services like ‘Sparks Book and Shop’, whilst still delivering the festive feeling and inspiration customers are after in our shops.”