Marks And Spencer Group

Founded in 1884, Marks and Spencer is a retailer which was established by Thomas Spencer and Michael Marks. It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The retailer launched its business as a penny bazaar first and marked it with the slogan “Don’t ask the price, it's a penny.”

Presently, Marks and Spencer operates 1,509 stores worldwide. Moreover, the company attracts about 30 million customers in its shops. M&S manages an online shop as well. 

In the financial year 2021, the firm achieved a turnover of €11 billion. Furthermore, with the help of its 78,000 employees, the retailer is able to handle its day to day operations efficiently. 

Additionally, the enterprise gained recognition from “compassion in world farming” through the “Special Recognition Award” in 2021. It is noteworthy that the retailer received 11 awards in this segment as it maintains the highest standards of animal welfare. 

Moreover, Marks and Spencer operates mainly in 2 segments: Food (67%) and Clothing & home (50.5%).

Marks and Spencer offers several products in the following categories:

• Sweet Grocery: chocolates, cakes, biscuits, etc.
• Savoury Grocery: olive oil
• Wine & Spirits: wines, prosecco, champagne, etc.
• Chilled & Fresh: burgers, chicken, spicy rice, etc.
• Personal care: hand cream, shower gel, shampoo, etc.

In addition, the business works with brands such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Malbec, etc. The company imports its goods from Australia, France, Spain and many more.

Marks and Spencer owns a private label named M&S which provides various items, hampers and food gifts such as chocolate, coffee, buns, desserts and many more.

Moreover, the company possesses certifications such as HACCP, Fairtrade, MSC and many more. 

In 2020, the firm partnered with Ocado in order to allow its consumers to have their M&S products delivered to them in a timely manner. 

Besides, on 28th January 2022, the enterprise launched a live online shopping service. 

With regards to its logistics features, the retailer operates its own distribution centre and fleet of vehicles, hence, managing the flow of goods globally in an efficient manner.  

Concerning sustainability, the firm has ensured that the electricity from M&S energy is 100% renewable and its coffee farmers are adapting to environmental challenges with Fairtrade.

In fact, the objective of the company is to cut its carbon emissions by 90% by the year 2025.

Currently, the retailer is looking for products for its private label in the following category:

• Frozen food: desserts, ice cream, fish & seafood, pizza, starter, fruits & vegetables, cooking aid, meat, potatoes, ready meals, bakery, snacking, drinks.

The company’s online shop can be accessed on: https://www.marksandspencer.com/