Marks and Spencer becomes first big retailer to launch same-day clothing delivery nationwide

Marks and Spencer has announced it is to become the first big retailer in the UK to launch same-day clothing deliveries nationwide.

The company has announced that it will offer rapid fulfilment of clothing orders, putting it above potential competitors such as Next, ASOS and John Lewis.

Zara currently offers same-day clothing deliveries to customers exclusively in the London area and charges a £7.95 fee for the privilege.

Marks and Spencer has also announced the rollout of a new and improved digital Click & Collect and returns journey for customers in-store, making it easier and more efficient for customers to shop.

Launching in 78 stores this year, the rollout includes a new self-service digital click & collect and returns facility, alongside the launch of a new mobile-friendly paperless returns process.

The new digital options are part of M&S focus on maximising its omnichannel advantage to drive sales across both its stores and online channels, supporting customers however they want to shop.

Currently live at 22 stores, the new digital Click & Collect option has proven popular – with customers praising its increased efficiency and convenience. This rollout will increase the new format’s footprint to a total of 78 stores ahead of Christmas.

The new model replaces the traditional manned collection desks that typically have queues during busy periods, meaning customers no longer have to wait to be served and can process their collections or returns straightaway using the self-serve digital screens.

M&S CEO Steve Rowe, 54, told The Times that the moves would highlight how traditional “bricks and mortar” retailers could use their stores as an advantage in online retailing, rather than the internet being blamed for the death of the high street.

“People think of the store portfolio as being an albatross around our neck but I don’t think it is, I think we are going to have a multichannel proposition so we can be where our customers want and they can choose how quickly they want it,” he added.