M&S news and archive

M&S posts 17.2 percent growth in H1 profit

For the first six month period, Marks and Spencer (M&S) recorded a pre-tax profit increase of 17.2 percent to 407.8 million pounds, while statutory pre-tax profit rose to 391.9 million pounds. The company’s clothing & home sales increased 4.7 percent, with LFL sales up 5.3 percent. Sales growth improved by 8.1 percent in the second quarter, with...

Fashion |In Pictures Featured

Bella Freud unveils collaboration with M&S

London-based fashion designer Bella Freud, known for her playful handwritten slogans, has unveiled a collaboration with British retailer Marks and Spencer. The exclusive collection, launching in select M&S stores and online from today, October 17, features her witty take on fashion with a range of jumpers, women’s ready-to-wear and tailoring, as...

Retail

Could Amazon's return-to-office mandate be a boon to physical retailers?

Amazon's recent announcement mandating a return to office for its corporate employees from January 2025 has received mixed reviews from the technology sector. However, the repercussions of this decision may extend far beyond the confines of Silicon Valley, potentially reshaping the broader retail landscape. The e-commerce behemoth's push for...

Fashion |In Pictures Featured

Marks & Spencer unveils design collaboration with Sienna Miller

British retailer Marks & Spencer has unveiled a summer capsule collection with Sienna Miller, following a successful partnership with the actress in September 2023 when she fronted its autumn womenswear campaign. Launching in 30 stores and online on June 6, the collection aims to “redefine style perceptions and inspire existing and new customers...

People

M&S appoints Alison Dolan as new CFO

Marks and Spencer Group (M&S) has announced the appointment of Alison Dolan as chief financial officer. Dolan, the company said in a statement, will take over from interim CFO Jeremy Townsend who will remain in post as planned until May 2025. Commenting on the new CFO appointment, Stuart Machin, the company’s chief executive officer said: “We...

Business

M&S posts profit growth, clothing & home sales increase 5.3 percent

For the full year, Marks and Spencer Group (M&S) reported profit before tax and adjusting items of 716.4 million pounds and statutory profit before tax of 672.5 million pounds, while group sales improved 9.4 percent to 13.1 billion pounds. UK clothing & home sales were up 5.3 percent during the year under review with adjusted operating profit...

BusinessFeatured

M&S announces 1-million-pound investment for net zero goals

British retailer Marks & Spencer has launched a 1-million-pound Plan A Accelerator Fund to invest in projects to help it achieve its net zero goals by 2040. M&S said it was turning its “market-leading approach to innovation to tackle climate change,” to reduce scope 3 emissions and become a net zero business across all its operations and entire...

Retail

LK Bennett launches on M&S.com

British retailer Marks & Spencer has added premium womenswear brand LK Bennett to its roster on its ‘Brands at M&S’ online platform. LK Bennett launches at M&S with its spring/summer 2024 collection, including some of the brand’s bestselling items, from casual daywear to eventwear, such as jumpsuits, dresses, trousers and blazers, as well as...

People

M&S announces two senior executive appointments

M&S has announced the appointment of Rachel Higham as its new chief digital and technology officer and Mark Lemming as managing director of international. Both will also join the executive committee. Welcoming the appointments, M&S CEO Stuart Machin, said: “These two new leadership appointments reflect the importance of digital and technology...

Retail

Unpacking Marks & Spencer's stellar Christmas results

Despite reports of sluggish festive season sales for UK retailers, Marks and Spencer has defied the trend by announcing impressive Christmas trading figures. The overall sales recorded a notable increase of 7.2 percent, driven by 4.8 percent growth in clothing and home segments and a 10.5 percent rise in food sales. In response to the...

BusinessFeatured

M&S reports strong Christmas trading, home & clothing sales improve 4.8 percent

Clothing & home sales at Marks and Spencer Group (M&S) increased 4.8 percent over the Christmas trading period, with LFL sales also up 4.8 percent driven by growth in average selling price, partly a result of reduced promotions year-on-year. The company's total UK sales including food and home & clothing increased 8.5 percent to 3,568 million...

Business

M&S posts profit growth, restores dividend

Marks & Spencer (M&S) recorded a first half pre-tax profit increase to 360.2 million pounds and statutory pre-tax profit increase to 325.6 million pounds. M&S Clothing & Home sales were up 5.7 percent with LFL sales up 5.5 percent and adjusted operating profit rose to 223.4 million pounds and margin was 12.1 percent. The company said in a...