Marks & Spencer has expanded its activewear range, reflecting the category shift prompted by the Covid-19 crisis.

M&S is adding kidswear and men’s lines to its Goodmove assortment, launched at the start of 2020.

Casual clothing has been in demand since the pandemic began when people were forced to work from home and officewear and formal clothing took a hit.

The new ranges will be launched by early in 2021. M&S said that in 2020, 52% of its customers reported wearing activewear more as everyday clothing. Between March and September, activewear sales on M&S.com were up 200%

M&S womenswear and kidswear director Jill Stanton said: “2020 has cemented activewear as a staple in wardrobes. By expanding Goodmove into men’s and kids we want to continue to drive growth through a stylish and relevant product offer.”

The retailer said keeping healthy and fit would remain a priority among its customers next year and 77% want to be more active in 2021.

As the new year approached, much of the UK remained under strict Covid rules where people have been told to stay at home and where gyms are shut.

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