Marks & Spencer is to launch home shopping in 70 countries.

Customers will be able to place orders for thousands of products over the internet from this autumn.

Focusing initially on those customers paying in pounds, the strategy will target the ex-pat community overseas.

M&S will also deliver orders placed by overseas tourists in its UK stores to their homes. Delivery charges will range from £12.50 to £25.

It follows a successful trial in seven countries including Germany, Australia and the US.

M&S Direct boss Dave Hughes told The Sun: “We’ve had a great response, not just from Brits abroad but from new international customers who love the M&S brand.

“Going from seven countries to 70 is the natural next step – we wouldn’t be doing it if we didn’t think we would make money out of it.”

M&S wants the web to generate at least £500m by 2010 to 2011.

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