JEANS, CDs, cosmetics, furniture - and now Mercedes-Benz. The shopping experience at the giant Bluewater retail park in Kent has just become a whole lot more interesting, and more expensive, after Mercedes-Benz opened a showroom amid all the other shops.

The Mercedes-Benz Retail Showcase forms a key part of the manufacturer's innovative approach to new and used car retailing.

The Showcase includes Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Formula One merchandise, as well as links to buy new Mercedes-Benz and smart cars, and online links to 1,000 used cars.

Eight permanent test drive bays in a nearby car park will allow customers to test drive the latest cars, while a 'service while you shop' facility means customers can leave their cars at the local dealer, have a courtesy ride to and from Bluewater, and collect their serviced cars at the end of their shopping trip.