Marks & Spencer fashion is now available to buy in-store in the US for the first time, following the signing of a new partnership between the UK high street giant and premium American fashion retailer Nordstrom.
The partnership launches today with Marks & Spencer fashion now stocked in 30 Nordstrom stores from LA to New York; it will also be available on the Nordstrom website. More than 60 pieces from M&S’ most-loved womenswear collections including Per Una, the premium casual brand, as well as M&S Collection, are included in the Nordstrom range.
According to M&S customer insight, one in 10 customers in the US are aware of Marks & Spencer fashion (with the highest awareness among 25-34 year-old women), while the retailer attracts 51,000 US customers to its website each year.
The move follows on from a deal struck last year with Australian department store David Jones, which now sells a range of M&S lingerie. That partnership will be expanded to include womenswear and menswear this month.
M&S managing director of international Mark Lemming said the retailer, which has been enjoying a resurgence of its fashion ranges in its home market, was committed to bringing “the best of M&S to customers around the world”.
Marks & Spencer SS26
“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,” Lemming said.
Nordstrom EVP and general merchandise manager of women’s and men’s apparel at Nordstrom Emily Crandall, added: “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 U.S. customers. This partnership creates a meaningful opportunity for our customers to discover the brand when they shop at Nordstrom.”
While this will be the first time its fashion is available to shop in store in the US, M&S has been growing awareness of its brand via a food tie-up with Target, which launched in 2022. Now, American consumers are buying 30,000 bags of M&S’ famous Percy Pig sweets every week.
Here in the UK, M&S has announced it will be launching monthly trend led fashion drops on its website and in select stores, as it seeks to underscore its newly restored style credentials and drive further online sales. “The Love That Drop” ties in with its new fashion campaign starring actress Gillian Anderson (main image) who has been employed in the playful role of Chief Compliments Officer at the retailer, with a brief to dispense compliments to everyone wearing M&S fashion.