Marks & Spencer Expands to Australia, Debuts in Coles Supermarkets
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced its expansion into the Australian market through a partnership with leading supermarket chain Coles. This collaboration marks the first time M&S Food products will be available in Australian stores. As of November 19, customers can find select M&S items at Coles locations across the country.
Launching M&S Food in Australia
After successful operations in the United States, where M&S Food products like Percy Pigs have become a top seller, the brand is eager to tap into the Australian market. Over 50,000 bags of Percy Pigs sell weekly in the U.S., indicating a strong demand for M&S products.
Available Products
The initial product range includes:
- Percy Pig confectionery
- Colin the Caterpillar cakes
- M&S British Shortbread
- M&S Luxury Gold Tea
- Seasonal limited-edition items like the Original Very Moreish Munch Tin
With plans to expand the product lineup to over 200 items by next year, M&S aims to provide Australian customers with even more British supermarket staples.
Strategic Partnership with Coles
This partnership comes following M&S’s launch of its fashion range in Australia earlier this year through a collaboration with David Jones. Mark Lemming, Managing Director of International at M&S, highlighted the significant potential for growth in the Food sector globally, especially via wholesale channels. He stated, “When we get the partnership right, everyone wins.”
Coles, with its substantial market share in food retail and millions of weekly customers, aligns closely with M&S’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Customer Engagement and Future Plans
Brand awareness of M&S is notable, with over half of the Australian population recognizing the name. The strong response on social media regarding the availability of M&S Food reflects this interest. As the partnership unfolds, M&S and Coles will leverage their combined efforts to meet the growing demands of Australian consumers.
Coles’ Chief Commercial Officer, Anna Croft, expressed excitement over the partnership, stating it aims to provide quality British foods to Australians, enhancing the festive shopping experience.
Overall, this strategic move marks an important step in M&S’s expansion and showcases its ambition to build a global omnichannel business while catering to evolving consumer preferences.
