Marks and Spencer Festive Push: In the UK, a holiday visit to Marks & Spencer’s food aisles has become a cherished tradition, with millions of shoppers opting for the retailer to purchase one in four fresh turkeys during the festive season.
Despite historically seeing a dip in customer retention after the holidays, Marks & Spencer (M&S) is approaching this festive period in a stronger position, having leveraged savings from a revamped supply chain to enhance competitiveness and invest in new product ranges. The company’s grocery sales for the 12 weeks ending December 2 increased by 12.8%, ranking just below Aldi and Lidl.
M&S, a 139-year-old retail group, is focusing on retaining Christmas shoppers and expanding its market share in the £229 billion ($291 billion) UK grocery market. The company’s shares have more than doubled this year, reflecting positive investor sentiment.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin‘s strategy, initiated in 2018, aims to broaden the retailer’s appeal beyond occasional upscale food purchases to attract weekly shoppers. The company has introduced 200 essential product lines at prices aligned with mainstream rivals, with plans to launch 1,400 new lines by April 2024.
Also Read: Revitalised M And S Surges: 30%+ Profit Boost And Confident Christmas Outlook
In addition to introducing new products, M&S is undergoing quality upgrades for over 1,000 items, representing 15% of its range. These efforts include enhancements to steaks and cream cakes, resulting in notable sales volume increases.
M&S is also diversifying its product offerings, particularly in traditionally weak areas such as frozen and homecare. The company is opening larger stores, including those in out-of-town retail parks, and revitalizing existing ones.
M&S’s collaboration with Ocado, established in 2019, is contributing to its online presence, aligning with the evolving retail landscape. Supply chain efficiencies and cost savings, including the acquisition of logistics operator Gist and synergies with Ocado, have allowed M&S to offer better prices to customers. The company’s managing director of food, Alex Freudmann, highlighted the positive impact of recent product category upgrades, signaling a promising trajectory.
The strategic shift is evident in consumer perceptions, with data from YouGov indicating a 30% increase in the perception of M&S’s food value and a 12% improvement in perceived quality since Machin initiated the strategy in 2018. The company aims to convert occasional shoppers, such as those during the Christmas season, into regular year-round customers. M&S’s success in achieving this goal will play a pivotal role in growing its customer base and market share in the highly competitive grocery sector.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the issue with the M&S Christmas advert?
Marks & Spencer (MKS.L) has issued an apology after receiving backlash for a picture in its Christmas advert. The image featured red and green paper hats burning in a fireplace, which some viewers compared to the Palestinian flag. The British retailer expressed regret for any offense caused and assured customers that it was not intentional.
What is the meaning of Marks and Spencer Christmas advert 2023?
M&S is facing criticism for its 2023 Christmas ad campaign, with some claiming it’s a case of ‘go woke, go broke’. The campaign, which features the slogan ‘Love Thismas (Not Thatmas)’, aims to encourage people to focus on what they truly enjoy during the festive season, rather than feeling obligated to do certain things. However, it seems that not everyone is on board with this message.
Who is the actress in the M&S advert 2023?
The 2023 Christmas advert from M&S features a star-studded cast including actresses Hannah Waddingham and Zawe Ashton, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and TV presenter Tan France. The highly anticipated ad has been unveiled, showcasing the brand’s festive spirit and holiday cheer. With such a talented lineup, viewers can expect a heartwarming and entertaining commercial that captures the essence of the season. M&S continues to impress with their creative and engaging marketing campaigns, and this latest offering is no exception.
Who are the people in the M&S Christmas ad?
The TV ad for the campaign showcases four different homes, each featuring a well-known British household name. Actress Hannah Waddingham, singer and podcast host Sophie Ellis-Bextor, presenter and style expert Tan France, and actress Zawe Ashton are all seen making a decision on which Christmas traditions they will be following. The ad is set to capture the essence of the holiday season and the importance of family traditions. With these popular personalities, the campaign is sure to resonate with audiences across the UK.