British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S), is setting its sights on India as its priority market, with plans to expand in the subcontinent. They are currently opening one store per month in India, which is already their largest international market outside the UK. It had announced its 100th store inauguration in Mumbai’s Linking Road, strengthening its retail presence over the last 15 years. M&S operates in India through a joint venture with Mukesh Ambani.
Ritesh Mishra, India’s Managing Director at M&S, emphasised the brand’s presence in 36 cities with opportunities for further expansion as they secure the right real estate, mall locations, and suitable venues. Their goal is to increase their retail space from 1.1 million square feet to 1.4 million square feet by the end of 2023.
M&S, a staple of the UK high street, has been targeting younger consumers worldwide and aims to revamp its stores to reinforce its physical presence and offer high-quality merchandise. This strategy is in response to competition from brands like Levi’s, Uniqlo, and Celio, which are gaining popularity for functional basics, unlike contemporary fast-fashion rivals.
Yet, cost-conscious Indian shoppers perceive M&S as relatively expensive compared to local brands like Zudio and global fast-fashion labels such as Zara and H&M. In recent years, India has seen a surge in the presence of major global apparel brands targeting young consumers who increasingly prefer Western-style clothing. Women contribute significantly to M&S’s revenue, with a majority of sales occurring during the winter months.
