Marks & Spencer's fashion goes down under, arriving in Australia

Marks & Spencer has made its first move into international fashion wholesale by partnering exclusively with premium Australian department store David Jones.

The launch, which goes live today, will see M&S’s bestselling Womenswear, Menswear and Lingerie collections available both online and across 24 David Jones stores, including flagship locations in Sydney and Melbourne. It marks a significant milestone in M&S’s global expansion strategy and the retailer’s first foray into wholesale fashion abroad.

Mark Lemming, Managing Director of International at M&S, said: "Last year we reset our priorities for international, with a focus on offering the magic of M&S to customers across the world. With consistent growth in Food and Fashion, Home & Beauty, and strong brand momentum as the UK’s most trusted retailer, there is now so much opportunity for us to grow our business globally.

"We’re taking our first steps in Australia; it’s a market which has always shared long-standing and strong links with the UK and where brand recognition is high. With a shared set of values surrounding quality, innovation and trust, David Jones is the perfect partner as we take our first venture into a partnership in fashion."

Australia has been identified as a key market, owing to its strong historical ties with the UK and rising brand awareness, now recognised by more than half the Australian population, according to M&S.

The partnership builds on M&S’s wider international strategy reset, announced last year, which focuses on strengthening its omnichannel presence by leveraging franchise expertise, online marketplaces and wholesale. The move follows the retailer’s recent success in the US food sector, where a partnership with Target saw Percy Pig products sell out within one week.

David Jones, which serves over five million customers across Australia annually, sees the tie-up as a strong addition to its premium offer.

Bridget Veals, Executive General Manager of Womenswear at David Jones, added: "We’re thrilled to welcome Marks & Spencer to David Jones, introducing one of Britain’s most iconic retailers to our customers. The arrival of M&S marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us, as we continue to curate a world-class portfolio of brands that deliver both elevated everyday essentials and exceptional value.

"We’re proud to be the exclusive home of Marks & Spencer Fashion in Australia and look forward to building a strong and enduring connection between this global brand and our customers."