M&S refuses to sign on the dotted line for Autograph roll-out
This week last year, Minister of State for Regeneration and Regional Development Lord Rooker attacked retailers for leaving town centres desolate by seeking out-of-town, large-format spaces. Retailers reacted angrily, arguing they still had a strong commitment to high street shoppers.
Ikea, one the biggest champions of out-of-town retail, received a blow this week, when it opened up its Edmonton site. The retailer seriously underestimated consumer interest and the opening drew a bigger crowd than staff at the store could cope with.
Marks & Spencer halted the roll-out of its Autograph clothing. The range (pictured) was distributed to only 28 stores. Analysts noted that Autograph-branded clothes had been marked down in stores. Later in the year, incoming chief executive Stuart Rose slashed M&S's fashion lines to the bone, preferring to focus instead on core customer ranges.
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