Marks & Spencer news and archive

Marks & Spencer technology chief exits months after cyber attack

A new report has suggested that Josie Smith, Marks & Spencer’s chief technology officer, has exited the British retailer. Her departure comes months after the company faced a cyber attack that impacted operations businesswide. A memo seen and reported on by Sky News said Smith had “decided to leave M&S”, a statement that was then confirmed to...

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M&S fashion division navigates 'tail end of recovery' with sales down 2.5 percent

While Marks and Spencer Group PLC (M&S) celebrated a record-breaking Christmas in its Food division, the Fashion, Home & Beauty (FHB) segment faced a more complex trading environment during the 13 weeks ending December 27, 2025. The company said that the FHB segment at M&S is currently navigating the "tail end of recovery" as part of the...

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Marks & Spencer taps New Look veteran for store director role

Marks & Spencer has named Elaine Cartwright as its new store director for innovation and implementation. The appointment comes as the British department store continues on its 300 million pound store rotation programme, which has focused on new openings and retail renewals. Cartwright most recently served as retail director UK & ROI at New Look,...

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Marks & Spencer launches renewable energy programme across supply chain

British department store Marks & Spencer has launched a new programme aimed at accelerating the adoption of renewable electricity across its fashion supply chain. Dubbed Re:Spark, the scheme, developed in partnership with Schneider Electric, builds on a wider mission of the retailer to achieve net-zero emissions throughout its value chain by...

Retail

Marks & Spencer becomes first UK brand to join Circulose as scaling partner

British department store Marks & Spencer has become the first UK Scaling Partner of Circulose, a deal that will see the retailer integrate the firm’s next-generation material into select products. The partnership builds on efforts by Marks & Spencer to reduce its reliance on virgin fibres and accelerate its implementation of circular design...

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British Airways CEO to join Marks & Spencer board

Sean Doyle, the chairman and chief executive officer of British Airways, has been announced as a new member of Marks & Spencer’s board of directors. Doyle, who was described in a press release as an “outstanding business leader”, will take up the position from December 1, 2025. He will also join the retailer’s Audit & Risk and Nomination...

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Marks & Spencer taps Zalando’s B2B unit to handle European orders

British department store giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has extended its partnership with Zalando, tapping the multibrand platform’s B2B logistics unit to operate its orders across continental Europe. Zalando’s Zeos division will now handle M&S’ online direct-to-consumer business in the region, delivering orders across 21 markets. The latest...

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Marks & Spencer extends chairman role

Department store Marks & Spencer has decided to extend the tenure of its current chairman Archie Norman as it moves into the next phase of its ongoing growth strategy. The move, which remains subject to shareholder approval at the company’s AGM, will extend Norman’s role for three years from September 2026. Norman, whose role will continue to be...

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Marks & Spencer adds Cos veteran to fashion and beauty team

Paula Bricks has been named as Marks & Spencer's new fashion, home and beauty (FH&B) retail director, a role she will take up from November. Bricks’ appointment bolsters the retailer’s existing FH&B team, currently led by John Lyttle, the managing director of the division. Bricks, who confirmed her new title in a post on LinkedIn, joins the...

Fashion

Watchdog bans Marks & Spencer ad over ‘unheathily’ thin model

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the UK has banned an advertisement by Marks & Spencer for featuring an “unhealthily thin” model. Four complainants raised issues with four ads featured across the retailer’s website, app and an email, questioning whether they were “socially irresponsible”. The imagery addressed, seen in April and May...

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UK government introduces new trade measures for developing countries

The UK government has introduced new measures that intend to simplify imports from developing countries. The changes come under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme and, according to a press release, aim to “lower prices on everyday goods while supporting growth in some of the world’s poorest nations”. The measures particularly address...

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Marks & Spencer enters Australia through David Jones partnership

British retailer Marks & Spencer has debuted in Australia via a new partnership with local department store David Jones. The exclusive deal will initially see Marks & Spencer’s core lingerie and sleepwear range, including T-shirt bras, lace styles, shapewear and thermals, introduced to David Jones stores and its online website from July 14. The...