Marks & Spencer news

M&S appoints Stuart Machin for the newly created role of food managing director. Key role in its transformation programme In his new role Machin will be responsible for overseeing operations across the retailer's food division, as well as playing a key part in accelerating its business-wide transformation programme. Machin is set to take up the newly created role next month, and will rep...

The retailer will close six stores by April, with a further eight stores under review, as work continues to ensure it has the right offer in the right locations. Consistent with strategy to rationalise Clothing & Home space Colleagues from the closing stores in Birkenhead, Bournemouth, Durham, Fforestfach, Putney and Redditch are set to take up roles in nearby stores. 468 colleagues at the ...

Marks & Spencer recruits Sharry Cramond into newly created role of marketing director for food and hospitality. New senior marketing team structure Cramond is set to take on the role on Jan 29th, bringing a wealth of digital experience, having previously worked for Southeastern Grocers in the US, as well as Tesco and Coles Australia. Nathan Ansell moves from marketing director for custom...

M&S reports deeper decline in like-for-like food sales in the festive third quarter of the year. CEO Steve Rowe pointed to consumers' tighter budgets impacting the food division's performance. Though sales grew 3.6%, like-for-likes declined -0.4%, dropping from -0.1% at its half year results. However, the retailer is in the early stages of a five year turnaround plan, including slowing Simp...

Marks and Spencer confirms the sale and franchise of its retail business in Hong Kong & Macau. Existing franchise partner Majid Al-Futtaim becomes the sole franchisee for M&S in these markets. The partners first announced their plans in August, and the deal completed at the end of December 2017. Focus on profitable growth through franchising The announcement is in line with M&S's internatio...

Iceland, Co-op and Poundland are the last to release their Christmas adverts. Asda Asda became the first of the major UK food retailers to launch a Christmas advertisement. In a set that resembles Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, Asda has reproduced the magical feel of Christmas whilst upholding a clear focus on tradition and food. The messaging should help build on Asda's recent work to...

M&S has released a Christmas chatbot, termed the ‘Christmas Concierge’. This will be the first time the retailer has experimented with Facebook Messenger bots. Daily Christmas tips on food, decorating and presents The service asks users to opt-in to receive daily inspiration to help them plan their perfect Christmas. Daily tips offer inspiration on food, hosting and presents in the form of ...

In the first half of the year, 4.4% growth in the food division was driven by new store openings, while flat like-for-likes disappointed. Chief executive Steve Rowe shared progress on the business's transformation plan to date, and commitment to ambitious plans for making M&S special again.  Group performance in brief In the six months to 30th September 2017: Group revenue increased...

Marks & Spencer has launched a trial of a one-hour food delivery service in Camden, with an additional trial for click and collect in Woodley. Delivery trial is underway at Camden store Back in April, M&S announced its plans to launch an online grocery trial . The trial is now underway at its store in Camden, which offers the retailer’s loyalty scheme members free delivery on selected ...

From Waitrose's first Summer Festival to Sainsbury's sunset billboards, grocers are helping customers celebrate the best of the season and bringing their brands to life in-store and beyond. Waitrose launches first Summer Festival Waitrose is hosting its first Summer Festival at its Leckford Estate, a 4,000 acre estate originally owned by the John Lewis Partnership's founder. The event is...