M&S Tailoring To Expand

Marks & Spencer will roll out its SP tailoring range from 30 to 100 stores for spring 04 as the retailer seeks to develop what it calls its "lads who are dads" SP sub-brand.

SP was introduced in all M&S stores in September, and the company has picked suiting as one of the areas with the biggest growth potential. M&S head of buying men's clothing Julian Kilmartin said: "SP has started well, which has given us a lot more confidence for the second season. More and more ideas are filtering down from the Autograph designer range into SP - it can be seen in the cut and attention to detail in the jackets."

The suits are cut to a slimmer fit than classic M&S tailoring and striped linings also give the jackets a younger feel. Four 2sb suits will be available at GBP99, in a wool blend. Unusually, for that price point, the suits target the 35-year-old core SP customer.

The range as a whole is more fashion forward, with emphasis on printed T-shirts, casual jackets and retro-styled sportswear.