M&S acquires a stake in women’s fashion brand Nobody’s Child
Marks & Spencer has acquired 25% of women’s clothing brand Nobody’s Child
The minority investment is the latest move by the retail mainstay to increase its branded clothing business as part of its long-term transformation strategy.
Nobody’s Child was founded in 2015 by Andrew Xeni as an affordable and responsible fashion brand.
The company has continued to grow rapidly over the past year as it has benefited from a partnership on the M&S online platform.
M&S said the brand drives traffic as a “most visited guest brand” on M & S.com.
He pointed out that Nobody’s Child’s midi dress products were particularly popular on the platform.
Marks & Spencer has developed its partnerships with clothing brands as part of its transformation strategy (Charlotte Ball / PA)
(PA wire)
The deal, for an undisclosed amount, will allow Nobody’s Child to continue operating independently, but it will be able to use M&S investment and infrastructure to grow at scale, he added.
The brands said that as the partnership evolves there will be new opportunities for collaboration.
M&S’s investment is part of its brand-focused strategy which has used different models including wholesale deals, exclusive collaborations and strategic acquisitions to grow its apparel business.
The group also launched its first new Jaeger lines last month after buying the brand from directors earlier this year as part of the strategy.
The latest deal comes days after M&S raised its earnings guidance based on strong performance in both its clothing and home and food businesses.
Richard Price, Managing Director of M&S Clothing and Home, said: “We are shaping the future of M&S Clothing – the strength of our own brand product, our large customer base and the reach of M & S.com make us a platform partner. attractive. .
“Nobody’s Child was the first brand to launch on M & S.com and has proven to be incredibly popular with new and existing M&S customers.
“We will continue to collaboratively develop the offer on our site, while now helping the brand to develop independently within the M&S family. “
Jody Plows, CEO of Nobody’s Child, said: “We are proud of the growth over the past year and in particular of our M&S partnership.
“Nobody’s Child is an independent brand, with a passionate team committed to providing easy-to-wear pieces from durable fabrics at affordable prices. It remains the driving force behind everything we do.
“We are delighted that this resonates with client M&S ​​as well and believe that Nobody’s Child is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of a wider audience. “
Nobody’s Child clothing will be launched in M&S stores from next year as part of the move.