Marks & Spencer adds more brands online in footwear push

The retailer has introduced Skechers, Crocs and Toms to its site, and has identified footwear as an opportunity for market share growth.

The UK market is estimated to be worth around £14bn, according to Statista data cited by Marks & Spencer, and to grow by 3.9% annually to 2027.

Skechers, Crocs and Toms will bring a combined 200 styles to M&S, which began selling third-party brands that it sees as complementary to its own offer in 2020.

The retailer said that brands dominate the footwear sector, accounting for 76% of menswear and 45% of womenswear, and that the new arrivals would enhance its own range.

M&S already sells other third-party foowear brands, such as Clarks children’s shoes.

M&S managing director of clothing and home Richard Price said: “At M&S, our footwear performance is at its strongest during the autumn/winter – customers come to us because they know they can trust in the value, style and quality of our range – from leather boots to loafers.

“Through our Brands at M&S platform, we are building a carefully curated offer of third-party partners, which enhances customers’ shopping experience and increases our style credentials.

“With the arrival of three global brands in the leisure footwear category, together with a refreshed and reshaped own-brand offer, we’re confident that we have a compelling footwear offer to win during the summer months, too.”

The Brands at M&S initaitive now comprises 60 external partners, ranging from Nobody’s Child to Smiggle. Some brands are sold in store as well as online.

The retailer sees an opportunity to generate significant incremental sales through the tie-ups.

In its third quarter, sales of partner brands accounted for 8% of the total in clothing and home.

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