• New logistics warehouse in Lichfield, Staffordshire is next step in M&S Fashion, Home and Beauty transformation
• Supply chain transformation is the key growth driver in M&S’ ambition to double online sales in the long term
• Increased capacity and automation will improve range, availability and speed to store or direct to customer
• 437,000 square foot ex-ASOS site will open in 2027, employ 600 people and operate as part of M&S’ 24/7 network
• Conditional deal to acquire the fitted-out hub from ASOS at a purchase price of £67.5m
M&S today announced a conditional deal to acquire a new 437,000 square foot fully automated fashion distribution centre in Lichfield, as it accelerates transformation of its Fashion, Home and Beauty business. The former ASOS site will become operational as part of the M&S network in 2027. It will employ 600 people.
The new logistics hub will add capacity and process orders quickly, helping to realise M&S’ long-term ambition to double the size of its online fashion business. The new site will support the strategy to deliver more of M&S fashion faster than ever before, enabling customers to order later in the day and with more sizes and styles available.
M&S Managing Director for Fashion, Home and Beauty, John Lyttle, said: “As we transform M&S Fashion, Home and Beauty, our ambition is to double online sales. To achieve this and serve our customers faster, more efficiently and with better availability, our 24/7 distribution network needs more capacity.
“We’ve always said that we’ll deliver our transformation with highly disciplined capital investment, always mindful of spending shareholder money wisely. This acquisition does just that, delivering tangible business benefits that move our transformation forward, at a much lower cost compared to a new build option.”
Supply chain transformation is a strategic priority as M&S reshapes for growth; shortening the time it takes for product to move from supplier to distribution centre and then into stores or customers is a key focus. There is much opportunity to create a better proposition for customers, drive online growth and make efficiencies to improve profit margin in the long term.
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About M&S
At M&S our vision is to be the UK’s most trusted retailer, committed to doing the right thing for our customers, communities, and colleagues. We offer a wide range of delicious, great-quality M&S Food and stylish Fashion, Home and Beauty products across UK stores, international franchise partners and online at M&S.com. With quality at the heart of everything we do, we bring the magic of M&S to life through exceptional products, great value, outstanding service, and continuous innovation - delivering an inspiring shopping experience whenever and however customers choose to shop with us.
For further information, please contact:
M&S Corporate Press Office: +44 (0)20 8718 1919
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