Marks & Spencer adds store in Pune

Marks & Spencer has opened its second store in Pune, spread over 19,000 sq. ft. at the Market

City Mall. The retailer now has 21 stores in India and plans to open eight more stores this financial year. The new Pune store is in line with Marks & Spencer’s new international strategy to build a strong presence in India, as one of its priority international markets. It showcases an extensive range of quality fashions and accessories across women’s wear, men’s wear, kids’ wear, lingerie and beauty. According to Martin Jones, CEO of Marks & Spencer Reliance India, said: "With a population of over 9 million, Pune offers us an exciting opportunity to grow our business in India and we`re delighted to have secured such a prime shopping location for our second store in the city. Throughout the year we`ve continued to increase our local sourcing, now at over 50 per cent, to ensure that we offer the right products, at the right prices for our customers in India."

Marks & Spencer Reliance India is a joint venture between Marks & Spencer plc and Reliance Retail. The joint venture was formed with the goal of establishing Marks & Spencer as a major retail brand in India. The British shopping chain has been trying very hard to shed its exclusive and expensive image to make itself more accessible to Indian shoppers and some stores’ sales have apparently increased 25 per cent since the decision to change was made.