M&S review retains flagship sub-brands
Marks & Spencer is understood to have given the green light to the continued existence of sub-brands Autograph, Blue Harbour, Per Una and St Michael.
But others, including menswear range SP and some lingerie sub-brands, could go as a result of the brand review being conducted by the chain’s new management team, led by chief executive Stuart Rose.
The troubled retailer is likely to retain its Limited Collection sub-brand, the mass roll-out of which has already been given the go-ahead by Rose’s team.
Meanwhile, M&S has finalised the structure of its marketing department following the departure of up to ten marketers. Campaign management will now be handled centrally, rather than by individual business units, with Susan Aubrey-Cound and Lucy Calver made heads of campaigns. Jennifer Inglis replaces Calver as head of marketing for lingerie and Caroline Reynolds takes on Aubrey-Cound’s former role as head of marketing for menswear.
Other marketing heads include Julian Baker for womenswear, Sean Curtis for home and Miranda Pode for food. Jude Bridge remains as external marketing manager, Carol Stockhill as head of brand management and marketing with additional responsibility for Christmas and Helen Buck as head of marketing and strategy for clothing.
Separately, veteran marketer – and former acting head of marketing – Martin Clarkson has retired and is joining The Storytellers as development director.A trading update, published yesterday (Tuesday), revealed that UK retail sales continue to slide, with home, food and clothing together down 5.5 per cent like for like, for the 12 weeks ending October 2.
