MARKS AND SPENCER

International Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Marks and Spencer Case Study



International Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Marks and Spencer Case Study

Task 1: Critically Evaluate The Existing Supply Chain Management Model Applied By Marks And Spencer.

M&S or formerly known as Marks & Spencer Plc is retailer based in united kingdom which has more than 700 retail outlets locations across thirty four countries where the group sells almost everything from clothing to foods under the name and trademark of St. Michael in another 300 outlets in the U.K. Since the inception the company's main aim has been to offer consumers quality, value, and service. The company primarily relied on operating principles to achieve its mission such as to developing long-term relationships with their suppliers, provide their customers value through a narrow merchandise selection at affordable prices and support local industry.

Almost 50 percent of the company's outlets in the foreign markets are franchised to the local members of the company. This group also owns the apparel wear stores under the name of Brooks Brothers and super markets under the name of Kings Super Markets chain in the US. Marks and Spencer plc, also known as M&S, is a world's renowned retailer with its headquarters in Westminster, London. It has more than 300 stores across above 40 countries and more than 70 stores in UK. M&S is famous for its clothes and food products. It was found in 1884 by Thomas Spencer and Michael Marks in Leeds (James 2001, pp. 1).

Quite often, the United Kingdom called the country of shopkeepers, and trading firm, Marks & Spencer, no doubt occupies a leading position in it. Marks & Spencer is the largest retail network of Great Britain, and its London-based department store Marble Arch is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the store, collecting more revenue per unit area than any other store in the world. Mission brand Marks & Spencer - to set an example to follow. The company pays special attention to the quality and sustainability of their products. Marks & Spencer is proud of the fact that the car uses only gaseous fuel delivery, packaging made of recycled waste and "green" supply chains of raw materials. In its commitment to protect the environment the firm has received many state awards to the UK. "Soft" items - clothing and textiles for domestic premises make up about 2/3 volume of sales. On average it is estimated that the share of the company store Marks & Spencer in the total retail sales of clothing in the UK is about 16%. Some of the specific articles of clothing this department provide half of the UK market. The company has introduced in its stores of food units and created the largest and most profitable retail network to sell food in the country.

Competition among existing firms is strong. Many competitors have adopted and even developed some of M&S´ best practices to respond more quickly to market ...