Marks & Spencer to launch new European websites

British high street retailer Marks & Spencer has

announced that it will enter four new European markets next month, with the launch of localised customer websites in Germany, Spain, Austria and Belgium.

The move, which is part of Marks & Spencer’s ongoing international multi-channel strategy, marks significant progress against plans outlined in May 2012 to trade online in ten international markets by the end of this financial year.

The websites will launch on November 19 and will trade in Euros and offer the preferred local language, payment and delivery options, following the successful model of previously launched e-commerce sites in France and Ireland.

Marc Bolland, chief executive of Marks & Spencer, said: “This is us moving forward with our plan to transform M&S from traditional British retailer to a leading international, multi-channel retailer. M&S is a brand that’s synonymous with British quality, style and value and this move enables us to extend the reach of our brand to more new markets.”

Laura Wade-Gery, executive director, e-commerce multi-channel at Marks & Spencer, added: “Entering these countries with online capabilities allows us to serve customers right across some of the biggest and fastest growing online fashion markets in Europe.

“Since 2008 we’ve been in dialogue with the customers who already use our international delivery service and we’ve learnt much from them. With our new sites we can provide customers with what they want – a fully localised service that enables them to shop with M&S in the way they want to.”

The new websites will provide customers with access to a comprehensive range of over 15,000 stylish, quality M&S products, including womenswear, lingerie, menswear, kidswear, and a selection of homeware.