Marks and Spencer to test clothing stores to reach younger shoppers
Marks & Spencer is opening a clothing store aimed at younger consumers.
The new standalone store, which opens this autumn at Battersea Power Station in London, will offer a carefully curated selection of womenswear, men’s clothing and beauty products.
The store, located in the recently revitalised shopping area, represents a shift in strategy for M&S as the brand benefits from a revival in fashion sales.
If successful, the retailer plans to open more clothing-only stores across the country.
Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, described the store as a place where ‘the best of M&S clothing and beauty products can be seen at great value.’
Marks & Spencer opens boutique store selling only selected clothing and beauty products
Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S (pictured), described the store as a place to ‘showcase the best of M&S clothing and beauty at great value’
The new standalone store will open this autumn at London’s Battersea Power Station (pictured)
The boutique store is smaller than typical M&S stores and offers personal style advice.
Retail analyst Richard Hyman supported the move, telling The Times that most customers no longer buy both groceries and clothes in the same visit, making the concept of a clothes-only store logical.
Under the leadership of chairman Archie Norman and Machin, M&S has reversed the decline in its clothing division, with sales rising 5.3 percent last year to £3.9 billion.
M&S shares have risen 56 percent in the past year.