Reviving its global ambitions post pandemic, M&S is launching online stores in 46 new international markets. The brand plans to launch stores in countries like Nepal, Bolivia and Uzbekistan to boost its Clothing & Home operations. The clothing retailer’s international sales rose 75 per cent in the first half of the year due to the pandemic. The company aims to explore underlying demand in these markets without making any significant upfront investment and fulfilling orders via its existing distribution network.

While M&S expanded outside its core UK market but has also closed stores as sales failed to meet expectations. Operating profit in the international division has fallen to a little over £110 million at the last count, although its revenue increased to around £1 billion.

As per Steve Rowe, CEO, the company has been transforming its international ops to a franchise and joint-venture model and is also localizing ranges and developing online.