Marks & Spencer is to sell its clothing in Australia after striking a deal with one of the country’s department store businesses.
A selection of Marks & Spencer womenswear, menswear and lingerie will be sold by Australian retailer David Jones, in 24 stores and online in M&S’s first international wholesale clothing partnership.
The tie-up is part of M&S’ strategy to improve its international business, which has not performed as strongly as the core UK operation. Wholesale arrangements, alongside working with marketplaces and franchise deals, are a foundation stone as it seeks to build future success overseas. M&S’ food division launched a wholesale partnership earlier this year with Target in the US.
David Jones, which has 40 stores, serves approximately 5 million customers a year.
M&S managing director of international Mark Lemming, said: “Last year we reset our priorities for international…with consistent growth in food and fashion, home and beauty, and strong brand momentum as the UK’s most trusted retailer, there is now so much opportunity for us to grow our business globally.
“We’re taking our first steps in Australia. It’s a market which has always shared longstanding and strong links with the UK and where brand recognition is high. With a shared set of values surrounding quality, innovation and trust, David Jones is the perfect partner as we take our first venture into a partnership in fashion.”
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