All MandM Direct articles
MandM Direct is an online retailer. The company was founded in 1987 by Mark Ellis and Martin Churchward (the ‘two Ms’), selling end-of-line sports products directly to customers in the UK. MandM Direct targets brand-conscious individuals with a discounted offer of branded fashion, sportswear and outdoor clothing. The retailer sells around 150 brands across fashion, sportswear and outdoor clothing. It offers discounts of up to 75% off regular retail prices by operating a ‘wholesale clearance’ model.
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AnalysisRanking: The fastest-growing value retailers revealed
In the cost-of-living crisis, affordable retailers have never been more relevant to price-conscious consumers, but which have been making the most of the mood of the nation? And which are set to turn market share into future growth? To find out, the Retail Week analyst team has tracked group sales across 15 of the biggest value retailers and analysed their compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to predict how much bigger they’ll be in five years’ time
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Prospect Analysis
MandM Direct (Overview)
MandM has just short of 3 million active users across Europe and has launched localised websites for 22 European markets outside of the UK. Its mobile platform has also gained traction in recent years following the development of a responsive website. It is currently focusing on international expansion, brand-building and innovation.
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Prospect AnalysisMandM Direct (Financials)
MandM Direct recorded a slowdown in FY2022, with sales falling back by 5.6%. This follows rocketing sales during the pandemic, when channel shifts saw sales grow by 30.2% in 2021 and 14.6% in 2020.
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Prospect AnalysisMandM Direct (SWOT)
The company has a strong USP of offering ‘off price’ fashion for the youth market. It has successfully repositioned itself away from the crowded and highly competitive sportswear sector to a more fashion- and lifestyle-oriented offering. Growing competition and channel shifts are the main threats to the business.
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Prospect AnalysisMandM Direct (Strategy)
MandM Direct’s business model is based on selling well-known fashion brands at discounts of up to 75% by giving brand owners an outlet to clear large batches of excess stock. Its UK growth strategy is based on expanding its range, reach and proposition. This complements a brand strategy based on offering value for money and convenience, which corresponds with current market trends.
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Prospect AnalysisMandM Direct (People)
Former finance director and COO Damian Evans has headed up the business as CEO since 2018. Mark Godwin is IT director, while Tom Goode is customer and ecommerce director.
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Prospect AnalysisEcommerce at MandM Direct
MandM sells through websites covering 22 overseas markets in Europe, in addition to the UK. It is focused on international delivery, building brand awareness and making constant improvements to its platform and ecommerce offer.
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Prospect AnalysisTechnology strategy at MandM Direct
MandM Direct has an entrepreneurial approach to technology – as a pureplay, its use of IT is what sets it apart. Investment priorities include innovation, international expansion and brand-building, including CRM.
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Prospect AnalysisCustomer and marketing at MandM Direct
MandM sells around 150 brands across fashion, sportswear and outdoor clothing at discounts of up to 75% off regular retail prices. It has an active customer base across Europe and its success is underpinned by building close relationships with fashion, sportswear and outdoor clothing brands, which provide it with access to their end-of-line stock.
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Prospect AnalysisSupply chain at MandM Direct
In contrast to flash sales etailers such as Secretsales, MandM favours large stock holdings over a consignment model. It offers a range of delivery options and uses established third-party logistics providers.
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Prospect AnalysisMandM Direct (Outlook)
MandM Direct has steady leadership and security from its ownership by Bestseller, but needs to get margins back on track and increase marketing activity
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NewsMoonpig parent PhotoBox poaches MandM Direct boss Jonathon Brown
Moonpig parent Photobox has drafted in MandM Direct boss Jonathon Brown as chief operating officer.
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NewsBestseller's MandM Direct buy gives it foothold in growing European discount market
Danish giant Bestseller has gained a foothold in the growing off-price market with its £140m acquisition of MandM Direct.
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AnalysisAnalysis: Who is MandM Direct's new owner, Bestseller?
Danish fashion group Bestseller is poised to acquire etailer MandM Direct for £140m, pending regulatory clearance. Retail Week takes a look at the business.