Marks & Spencer is making its US fashion in-store debut through a new partnership with Nordstrom, as it looks to build brand awareness and scale its international wholesale model.
The launch begins today and will see a curated range of M&S womenswear sold in 30 Nordstrom stores across the US, as well as on Nordstrom’s website.
The collection features more than 60 pieces drawn from some of M&S’ best-known ranges, including Per Una and M&S Collection, marking the first time M&S Fashion has been available in physical stores in the US.
The move builds on the momentum of M&S Food in the US, which launched in Target in 2022. M&S said that business now sells more than 30,000 bags of Percy Pigs every week, helping create the platform for the retailer to expand its fashion offer stateside.
M&S said one in 10 US consumers, or 13 per cent, are already aware of it as a fashion brand, with awareness strongest among women aged 25 to 34.
The retailer added that more than 51,000 customers already shop through its US website each year, and said Nordstrom’s national reach made it a strong partner as it looks to grow recognition in the market.
M&S managing director of international Mark Lemming said: “Our purpose is to bring the best of M&S to customers around the world. With strong brand momentum as the UK’s most trusted retailer and now leading in style, quality and value perceptions in our womenswear range, now is the time to build our brand awareness in the US fashion market and establish ourselves as a globally trusted brand. We’re delighted to partner with Nordstrom, a partner who shares our values and will support us as we accelerate our growth.”
Nordstrom EVP and general merchandise manager of women’s and men’s apparel Emily Crandall said: “We’re always looking for new ways to inspire our customers, and that starts with bringing them exceptional brands from around the world.
Marks & Spencer is known globally for delivering quality and style at a value, and we’re excited to help introduce their bestselling items to US customers.”
The tie-up is the latest step in M&S’ wider international strategy, which centres on building a global brand by using “simple, scalable, repeatable operating models” and leveraging partners’ infrastructure.
Last summer, the retailer launched its first global fashion wholesale partnership with David Jones in Australia, initially with lingerie before expanding further into womenswear and menswear this month.
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