M&S to sell clothes from rival brands to boost online sales
11/03/2021
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news
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business
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The High Street stalwart will sell items from 11 different clothing brands on its website from spring.
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marmalade
11/03/2021 10:27:18
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3
bbc
End of the Road ?
M&S have been going down 20 years but seem to hang on grimly with McCawaber like optimism with every "transformation". They dont seem to like their core demographic of comfortably off middle aged people.
M&S to become a department store chain ...
And we know what happens to them.
And we know what happens to them.
At least they're open to change. A lot of companies went under because of archaic attitudes to business, thinking they can tell the consumer how they should shop.
If this keeps the business going and helps people stay in jobs (particularly ever decreasing high street jobs) then it seems a good thing.
If this keeps the business going and helps people stay in jobs (particularly ever decreasing high street jobs) then it seems a good thing.
It’s all made by the same people, and similar stuff. Just different labels stuck on.
I know someone who used to run a gentleman's outfitters and dress hire shop (also did wedding dresses).
Apparently a £600 suit can be turned into a £175 suit by literally just removing certain internal labels. Hmm.
Apparently a £600 suit can be turned into a £175 suit by literally just removing certain internal labels. Hmm.
M&S really should sort out their web site design - it is absolutely awful.
Laura Wade-Gery was sorting that out in 2011 - but 'jumped ship' before anyone in M&S Management spotted nothing had changed !!
....she is now at NHS Improvement!!!
....she is now at NHS Improvement!!!
Don't think it matters any more sadly.
I suspect it's a lost cause.
M&S has been a sinking ship for a while now.
I suspect it's a lost cause.
M&S has been a sinking ship for a while now.
To be fair, I don’t think any of their rivals have better web sites. Next’s has always been a shambles to navigate (in my opinion). It is irritating when you go to M&S’ shopping basket, even selecting a date, to find the thing you want isn’t available. I usually clear the basket at that point out of frustration. Sales especially are to be avoided for that reason.
I hope their website is better than when I used it way back and "bought" something that turned out to be out of stock. Using their site was among the worst on-line buying experiences. Not rushing back.........
It was being sorted out ...Ten Years ago !!
They brought 'an expert' in from Tesco (she's at NHS Improvement now!!)
They brought 'an expert' in from Tesco (she's at NHS Improvement now!!)
M & S used to sell quality British made clothing, now it's clothing no better than Primark that's made in sweatshops overseas. Where's the differential justifying the price ?
There are sweatshops in the UK too..
Primark has probably the best anti - sweat shop policies in the industry and exemplary policies for dealing with suppliers. When it has not been totally successful, it has paid tens of millions of pounds to compensate as far as possible and taken steps to strengthen policies further. Incidentally, M & S should be proud to have elevated its clothing to Primark standards.
As one of my teachers would say to those who thought they were winners and didn’t need to try hard.
“How are the mighty who have fallen in the midst of battle”.
Ignore core customers long enough and you lose them for ever.
Why buy other brands clothes from M and S when you can buy them from the retailer directly.
“How are the mighty who have fallen in the midst of battle”.
Ignore core customers long enough and you lose them for ever.
Why buy other brands clothes from M and S when you can buy them from the retailer directly.
Ask those in an alleged UK sweatshop would they like to transfer to a Bangladeshi sweatshop and I think you'll find zero takers. The garment industry isn't famed for it's wages though, the people making the big money are those charging thousands for luxury brand items still made in Bangladeshi sweatshops for pennies.
As usual much 'Management Speak'
"Transformation programme"
"Turbocharge online growth"
"Future opportunities" (it's always 'in the future' at M&S and has been since 1998!)
"The exciting mix"
Sloggi is really going to make that much difference is it ???!!!
"Transformation programme"
"Turbocharge online growth"
"Future opportunities" (it's always 'in the future' at M&S and has been since 1998!)
"The exciting mix"
Sloggi is really going to make that much difference is it ???!!!
This could be a chance for M&S to cull clothing ranges in store that don't make sense for them to sell e.g mens trousers with over slim legs that appeal only to people who would never shop @ M&S. I expect massive reductions in shop floor space for clothing over the next 5 years; clothing for M&S has been a bit like pushing water uphill - you can only do it for so long..
M&S really should sort out their web site design - it is absolutely awful.
At least they're open to change. A lot of companies went under because of archaic attitudes to business, thinking they can tell the consumer how they should shop.
If this keeps the business going and helps people stay in jobs (particularly ever decreasing high street jobs) then it seems a good thing.
If this keeps the business going and helps people stay in jobs (particularly ever decreasing high street jobs) then it seems a good thing.
this is what DEBENHAMS did and ARCADIA sadly it doesn't work most youngsters buy clothes on-line, the old fogies buy in a shop.
Don't think it'll work. If you want to buy a particular brand you'll go to that website. Why go to the M&S one for a more limited selection? Some big stores made that mistake with in-store concessions. They're closed down now.
However if you want to buy multiple brands and M&S and have less postage - not just cost but carbon miles then its an option...
Primark has probably the best anti - sweat shop policies in the industry and exemplary policies for dealing with suppliers. When it has not been totally successful, it has paid tens of millions of pounds to compensate as far as possible and taken steps to strengthen policies further. Incidentally, M & S should be proud to have elevated its clothing to Primark standards.
Don't think it'll work. If you want to buy a particular brand you'll go to that website. Why go to the M&S one for a more limited selection? Some big stores made that mistake with in-store concessions. They're closed down now.
There are sweatshops in the UK too..
Ask those in an alleged UK sweatshop would they like to transfer to a Bangladeshi sweatshop and I think you'll find zero takers. The garment industry isn't famed for it's wages though, the people making the big money are those charging thousands for luxury brand items still made in Bangladeshi sweatshops for pennies.
M and S need to decide who their target market are. You cannot run the High street on the whims of young women's fashions alone. Don't forget the Silver Pound. Give us the goods and we will buy them.
Absolutely M&S should return to their roots and cater for the 50+ market, Forget all the skinny and slim fit clothes
The 'Silver pound' generally wants to buy for little, buy it infrequently, want it to last forever and complain when it doesn't meet all of those criteria. The rest of the population is a little more realistic though. Pardon the pun, but it's a dying market catering for the 'silver pound'!
From the look of their stores, the only people buying from them have received a telegram from the Queen. These are very cost conscious, savvy consumers who want things to last forever. They are catered to by a myriad of competitors at every single price/quality point both in store & online. Nostalgia & pity cannot keep hold M&S together.
Removed
Desperate times for M&S, can’t believe Rowe is still there. Useful cover for Norman I guess
Exactly - Salsbury, Holmes, Vandevelde, Rose, Bolland, Rowe - The list go's on and on and on...
...infact they are the only ones who get 'rich' !!
...infact they are the only ones who get 'rich' !!
Removed
Removed
But 50+ doesn't mean frumpy and old fashioned. I am 65+. I want to buy from M&S but it's so dated.
Have to agree. Come out, admit this it and go for it. Forget trying to sell a bit of naff to everyone.
Sort of like Debenhams and House of Fraser did?
That'll work.
That'll work.
200 yr old business that has only died due to covid. It does work as a business model
this is what DEBENHAMS did and ARCADIA sadly it doesn't work most youngsters buy clothes on-line, the old fogies buy in a shop.
M&S really should sort out their web site design - it is absolutely awful.
The high street has to diversify. Shops like M&S need to do more than sell clothes and food as they are not a niche outlet. Selling other brands is a start but they need to do more.
Limited to selling clothes & food ? When was the last time you went into a large Sparks store - keep up !
Really surprised some of you are not at the helm of a retail giant given all the advice being handed out.
The sad thing is that most people can point out at a high level where M&S have gone wrong with clothing; it does'nt need an expert though an independent expert would obviously make smarter recommendations/is who you would consult to develop a viable plan.
Its about time M&S realized that they are a retail shop and not a designer. Leave clothes design to experts.
Stock respected brands and move into the Debenhams space which is now empty.
This is a huge opportunity for M&S.
Stock respected brands and move into the Debenhams space which is now empty.
This is a huge opportunity for M&S.
Really surprised some of you are not at the helm of a retail giant given all the advice being handed out.
On HYS???
Pull the other one........................
Pull the other one........................
The future is and always has been a one stop shop where customers can buy from multiple retailers all in one place. Next have been doing this for some time and are always adding new names. M&S and Next get their cut and if customers buy their own brands too everyone is a winner.
After all the false dawns and consistently blaming the wrong kind of weather for poor financial performance I've concluded the problem at M&S is the main board, their inability to recruit highly capable change managers and their collective inability to drive change through the whole organisation.
A fair bit of buzz-word bingo in that comment.
Chris. I think they have probably tried to recruit clothing heavy hitters like Jane Shepherdson of Whistles & TopShop fame but were rejected as M&S bureaucracy is entrenched, the company is too slow to change & they didn’t want to be associated with a failing brand.
After all the false dawns and consistently blaming the wrong kind of weather for poor financial performance I've concluded the problem at M&S is the main board, their inability to recruit highly capable change managers and their collective inability to drive change through the whole organisation.
I truly hope M&S evolves, survives and prospers. But they have to listen to Customers.
I've never shopped at M&S as the clothing are from the 70s and 80s.
I've never shopped at M&S as the clothing are from the 70s and 80s.
M&S really should sort out their web site design - it is absolutely awful.
To be fair, I don’t think any of their rivals have better web sites. Next’s has always been a shambles to navigate (in my opinion). It is irritating when you go to M&S’ shopping basket, even selecting a date, to find the thing you want isn’t available. I usually clear the basket at that point out of frustration. Sales especially are to be avoided for that reason.
Have any of these people considered what it will be like when customers can go into stores, feel the quality, try the size, choose the accessories and shoes?
Online may well shrink back to pre C-19 status.
Online may well shrink back to pre C-19 status.
Not going to happen. Covid made no difference to my shopping I already not been in a high street or supermarket for a decade. It was happening long before covid. The virus just pushed millions more to see how much better on line is. Major retailers have admitted things are not going back.
For physical shops, the department store model - paying full price & only get to see the best selling lines from a handful of suppliers - is broken & has been for sometime.
For internet shopping though this can make sense - see several items for different producers at once when searching e.g. 'shirts' & then only paying for postage once (if at all) when buying several items.
I wish them luck.
For internet shopping though this can make sense - see several items for different producers at once when searching e.g. 'shirts' & then only paying for postage once (if at all) when buying several items.
I wish them luck.
You're in a minority of one then!! HYSers don't do wishing good luck...........
PS : good luck from me too. As you say online with sucha model may well work better.
PS : good luck from me too. As you say online with sucha model may well work better.
This strategy only works if you have a variety of well respected, modern yet timeless new brands. M&S does not. People want to buy clothes that fit at the right quality/price point for their lifestyle. If you don’t provide that, they will go elsewhere. Postage is a minor consideration. Being well dressed is self care after all.
On HYS???
Pull the other one........................
Pull the other one........................
The brands M&S have chosen to sell online in their so-called 'transformation programme' are, frankly, disappointing. I am 65+ and I would say that the brands mentioned are themselves tired and dated. Phase Eight, Hobbs and White Stuff have nothing new to say and nothing new to offer the M&S customer.
The future is and always has been a one stop shop where customers can buy from multiple retailers all in one place. Next have been doing this for some time and are always adding new names. M&S and Next get their cut and if customers buy their own brands too everyone is a winner.
I don't subscribe online but wish M&S success with their online initiative & as long as M&S keep stocking their amazing range of Indian Curries & especially Madras, I'll continue to spend some of my hard earned there.
My family 'Friday night is curry night' would be nowt without M&S, so keep up the good work guys!
My family 'Friday night is curry night' would be nowt without M&S, so keep up the good work guys!
The rot set in with M&S clothing sales when it turned its back on over 40’s women. They were the ones buying and felt ignored with the move to smaller sizes cut and designed for younger ages. Unfortunately 20 year olds don’t shop with them.
The rot set in when M&S ignored the following timelines:
Early 1980s - Next entered the market
1990s - Zara entered the market
2000s - Primark & supermarket clothing entered the market
2010s - Online shopping became all pervasive
M&S ignored all of these developments & focussed on easy to sell food. It’s their fault that they are where they are.
Early 1980s - Next entered the market
1990s - Zara entered the market
2000s - Primark & supermarket clothing entered the market
2010s - Online shopping became all pervasive
M&S ignored all of these developments & focussed on easy to sell food. It’s their fault that they are where they are.
Never forgave M & S when it stopped selling white shirts with pockets
As one of my teachers would say to those who thought they were winners and didn’t need to try hard.
“How are the mighty who have fallen in the midst of battle”.
Ignore core customers long enough and you lose them for ever.
Why buy other brands clothes from M and S when you can buy them from the retailer directly.
“How are the mighty who have fallen in the midst of battle”.
Ignore core customers long enough and you lose them for ever.
Why buy other brands clothes from M and S when you can buy them from the retailer directly.
For physical shops, the department store model - paying full price & only get to see the best selling lines from a handful of suppliers - is broken & has been for sometime.
For internet shopping though this can make sense - see several items for different producers at once when searching e.g. 'shirts' & then only paying for postage once (if at all) when buying several items.
I wish them luck.
For internet shopping though this can make sense - see several items for different producers at once when searching e.g. 'shirts' & then only paying for postage once (if at all) when buying several items.
I wish them luck.
M&S is a waste of time these days.
It's impossible to get trousers that fit properly (because the sizings don't make sense at all), while jumpers and t-shirts are bagged and stretched out of shape within the year no matter what you do with them. Never had that problem with anything from Debenhams or Primark.
Their suits are also only worthy of door staff or The Apprentice.
It's impossible to get trousers that fit properly (because the sizings don't make sense at all), while jumpers and t-shirts are bagged and stretched out of shape within the year no matter what you do with them. Never had that problem with anything from Debenhams or Primark.
Their suits are also only worthy of door staff or The Apprentice.
Will that include 34in leg trousers?. Longer legs matter.
It’s all made by the same people, and similar stuff. Just different labels stuck on.
I truly hope M&S evolves, survives and prospers. But they have to listen to Customers.
I've never shopped at M&S as the clothing are from the 70s and 80s.
I've never shopped at M&S as the clothing are from the 70s and 80s.
Sort of like Debenhams and House of Fraser did?
That'll work.
That'll work.
When I think of M&S I can't help but think of my nana who would be 110 today. When I go in and have a look, I am shocked at how old fashioned the men's clothing is. Wide nylon slacks, checked shirts, patent-looking shoes.
The food is amazing but largely a rip-off.
Sorry M&S but you wouldn't be missed by the masses. But maybe you'll live long yet, catering for your tiny niches.
The food is amazing but largely a rip-off.
Sorry M&S but you wouldn't be missed by the masses. But maybe you'll live long yet, catering for your tiny niches.
Never forgave M & S when it stopped selling white shirts with pockets
The brands M&S have chosen to sell online in their so-called 'transformation programme' are, frankly, disappointing. I am 65+ and I would say that the brands mentioned are themselves tired and dated. Phase Eight, Hobbs and White Stuff have nothing new to say and nothing new to offer the M&S customer.
A fair bit of buzz-word bingo in that comment.
I know someone who used to run a gentleman's outfitters and dress hire shop (also did wedding dresses).
Apparently a £600 suit can be turned into a £175 suit by literally just removing certain internal labels. Hmm.
Apparently a £600 suit can be turned into a £175 suit by literally just removing certain internal labels. Hmm.
Botham81
The food is amazing but largely a rip-off.
Sorry M&S but you wouldn't be missed by the masses. But maybe you'll live long yet, catering for your tiny niches.
**
Hahahaha....................HYSers can't help themselves. No positives : even when trying o compliment, a negative is added to finish it off.
Good luck Marks : hope the new model works out.
The food is amazing but largely a rip-off.
Sorry M&S but you wouldn't be missed by the masses. But maybe you'll live long yet, catering for your tiny niches.
**
Hahahaha....................HYSers can't help themselves. No positives : even when trying o compliment, a negative is added to finish it off.
Good luck Marks : hope the new model works out.
Fearful that M&S might stop selling ordinary cotton or mostly-cotton full briefs if they're bringing in Sloggi in the Spring (which have a rubbish fit and are generally more expensive so I only ever bought once), thought I'd better get some of my normal M&S in. Went to their website, and Sloggi ALREADY there, and previous ordinary M&S ones? - DISAPPEARED. Unhappy Sparks Customer, lost my custom!
Awwwww, shucks!!!
Fearful that M&S might stop selling ordinary cotton or mostly-cotton full briefs if they're bringing in Sloggi in the Spring (which have a rubbish fit and are generally more expensive so I only ever bought once), thought I'd better get some of my normal M&S in. Went to their website, and Sloggi ALREADY there, and previous ordinary M&S ones? - DISAPPEARED. Unhappy Sparks Customer, lost my custom!
So giving up. Moving to be just another clothes department store. Selling other people's goods as you own are not up to scratch. That
road leads to trying to be better at being Amazon.
The death of M&S has been long drawn out and overdue.
With John Lewis following along soon. Dinosaurs.
road leads to trying to be better at being Amazon.
The death of M&S has been long drawn out and overdue.
With John Lewis following along soon. Dinosaurs.
Have any of these people considered what it will be like when customers can go into stores, feel the quality, try the size, choose the accessories and shoes?
Online may well shrink back to pre C-19 status.
Online may well shrink back to pre C-19 status.
M&S should pull the plug on clothing as management do not have a clue. Instead of improving the quality/price point of their offering & knowing who their customers are, they have bought old fashioned, formal brands for a snip during lockdown eg Jaeger, Hobbs which will not help matters. The owners of these companies probably rubbed their hands with glee & relief when M&S bought them.
After all the false dawns and consistently blaming the wrong kind of weather for poor financial performance I've concluded the problem at M&S is the main board, their inability to recruit highly capable change managers and their collective inability to drive change through the whole organisation.
From the look of their stores, the only people buying from them have received a telegram from the Queen. These are very cost conscious, savvy consumers who want things to last forever. They are catered to by a myriad of competitors at every single price/quality point both in store & online. Nostalgia & pity cannot keep hold M&S together.
The rot set in with M&S clothing sales when it turned its back on over 40’s women. They were the ones buying and felt ignored with the move to smaller sizes cut and designed for younger ages. Unfortunately 20 year olds don’t shop with them.
The rot set in when M&S ignored the following timelines:
Early 1980s - Next entered the market
1990s - Zara entered the market
2000s - Primark & supermarket clothing entered the market
2010s - Online shopping became all pervasive
M&S ignored all of these developments & focussed on easy to sell food. It’s their fault that they are where they are.
Early 1980s - Next entered the market
1990s - Zara entered the market
2000s - Primark & supermarket clothing entered the market
2010s - Online shopping became all pervasive
M&S ignored all of these developments & focussed on easy to sell food. It’s their fault that they are where they are.
The brands M&S have chosen to sell online in their so-called 'transformation programme' are, frankly, disappointing. I am 65+ and I would say that the brands mentioned are themselves tired and dated. Phase Eight, Hobbs and White Stuff have nothing new to say and nothing new to offer the M&S customer.
For physical shops, the department store model - paying full price & only get to see the best selling lines from a handful of suppliers - is broken & has been for sometime.
For internet shopping though this can make sense - see several items for different producers at once when searching e.g. 'shirts' & then only paying for postage once (if at all) when buying several items.
I wish them luck.
For internet shopping though this can make sense - see several items for different producers at once when searching e.g. 'shirts' & then only paying for postage once (if at all) when buying several items.
I wish them luck.
This strategy only works if you have a variety of well respected, modern yet timeless new brands. M&S does not. People want to buy clothes that fit at the right quality/price point for their lifestyle. If you don’t provide that, they will go elsewhere. Postage is a minor consideration. Being well dressed is self care after all.
I truly hope M&S evolves, survives and prospers. But they have to listen to Customers.
I've never shopped at M&S as the clothing are from the 70s and 80s.
I've never shopped at M&S as the clothing are from the 70s and 80s.
Really surprised some of you are not at the helm of a retail giant given all the advice being handed out.
At least they're open to change. A lot of companies went under because of archaic attitudes to business, thinking they can tell the consumer how they should shop.
If this keeps the business going and helps people stay in jobs (particularly ever decreasing high street jobs) then it seems a good thing.
If this keeps the business going and helps people stay in jobs (particularly ever decreasing high street jobs) then it seems a good thing.