Marks & Spencer is set to launch a new clothing-only store aimed at younger shoppers this autumn at London’s Battersea Power Station. This standalone store will feature a curated selection of women’s and men’s fashion, along with beauty products. Located in the newly renewed shopping area, this store showcases a shift in M&S’s strategy to capitalise on a revival in fashion sales. In case its successful, the retailer plans to expand this clothing-only concept to other locations across the UK.
M&S Chief Executive Stuart Machin described the new store as a venue to “display the best of M&S clothing and beauty at remarkable value.” The boutique-style shop will be smaller than traditional M&S stores and will provide customised styling advice.
Retail analyst Richard Hyman endorsed the move, noting that most customers now prefer to shop for food and clothing separately, making a clothing-only store a logical concept. Under the management of Chairman Archie Norman and Machin, M&S has reversed its clothing business decline, with a 5.3 per cent increase in sales to £ 3.9 billion last year. M&S shares have increased 56 per cent over last year.
