Marks and Spencer
This coverage analyses Marks and Spencer’s strategy, performance, and influence within the UK retail market. Reporting highlights store operations, product innovation, online developments, financial results, marketing campaigns, and leadership changes. With a focus on commercial impact and competitive dynamics, it offers insights for professionals managing grocery, fashion, and homeware retailing at scale.
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Nov- 2018 -26 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Missguided boss slammed by MPs for Parliamentary no-show
Nitin Passi, the CEO and founder of online retailer Missguided, has been criticised by MPs for refusing to appear in the Houses of Parliament as part of an investigation into fast fashion. In a letter to Passi, MP Mary Creagh chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, said she was “disappointed”…
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21 NovemberDepartment Stores
M&S ‘fancy little knickers’ display branded ‘sexist’ and ‘vomit inducing’
A Nottingham Marks & Spencer window display which said women’s “fancy little knickers” were a “must have” and was placed next to a display which suggested men’s “must have outfits to impress”, has been branded “sexist” and “vomit inducing” by campaigners. The window display was later altered by campaigners to…
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13 NovemberGovernment
EU rules could ‘thwart’ Hammond’s business rates promise
Hammond’s plan to help high streets through a near £1bn, two year business rates cut, is set to be thwarted by European Union state aid rules, real estate agents Altus Group have claimed. The chancellor will slash business rates next April by discounting bills by a third for those retail…
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9 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Fast fashion brands called before Parliament
A number of online only fashion retailers have been asked to give evidence as part of the Environmental Audit Committee’s inquiry into the sustainability of the fashion industry. The chair of the committee has written letters to ASOS, Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, Amazon and Missguided, published today (9 November), to the online…
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7 NovemberComment
Digital-first retailers cannot overlook payments
Despite the retail industry being worth £366bn to the UK in 2017, the traditional high street has struggled this year. Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a financial package that includes £900m in business rates relief for nearly 500,000 small businesses, and a pot of £650m to rejuvenate high streets. But in…
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7 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Marks and Spencer sales fall
M&S’ group revenue has dropped by 3.1% to £4,966.9m in its half-year results to the year ending 15 September 2018. Furthermore, its like-for-like food and clothing sales fell by 2.9% and 1.1% respectively which the company said reflected a “tough trading” period. The figures have been impacted by the company’s…
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6 NovemberHigh Street
Marks and Spencer half-year profits expected to drop
M&S is expected to report a double-digit drop in its half-year profits next week, according to predictions by City analysts. The retailer is set to post a fall in underlying pre-tax profits by 14% to £188m. Its pre-tax profits for the first half of the year are set to be…
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Oct- 2018 -16 OctoberAdvice
How the ‘customer experience’ can improve inclusivity in-store
Next month, a number of British retailers including Asda, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Barclays and Argos will be coming together in aid of ‘Purple Tuesday’ – the first accessible shopping day in the UK. Co-ordinated by the disability organisation Purple and endorsed by the government, Purple Tuesday is all about…
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5 OctoberGovernment
MPs launch inquiry into top fashion retailers
Some 10 of the UK’s leading fashion retailers have been asked to submit evidence on the steps being taken to reduce social and environmental impact. The chair of the Environmental Audit Committee Mary Creagh MP has written to the chief executives of a number of retail chains. This includes Asda,…
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2 OctoberComment
How can ecommerce brands make the most of the sharing economy?
Not so long ago, the idea of renting out our homes to strangers, leasing clothing from brands or even sharing taxis with fellow commuters would have been anathema to many. But today, thanks to the emergence of the sharing economy and the brands that have come to define this trend,…
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