// M&S ends home energy supply investment to simplify its services

// The retailer is prioritising its app and Sparks offering and says its energy business is not a strategic priority

Marks & Spencer has terminated its home energy supply venture to simplify its services as it transfers customers to partner Octopus.

The retailer has introduced M&S Connect, bringing together banking, services and Sparks loyalty teams – to “focus on the services and experiences that will make us a better retailer”.

M&S said the new service was designed to create a single digital identity for customers to better understand their requirements, Retail Week reported.

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It has informed its energy customers of the change and that they will remain on equivalent tariffs with Octopus.

M&S said its energy business, which has 60,000 customers, is not a strategic priority. The retailer is prioritising its app and Sparks offering as it works on its strategy of “reshaping for growth”.

“We have decided to step back from providing energy and ultimately, our partnership with Octopus Energy,” M&S Connect director Kirsty Ward said.

Over the Christmas trading period, M&S noticed a 33% rise in sales through its app.