Marks & Spencer has taken a bold step in expanding its international footprint by launching its first-ever international fashion wholesale partnership with Australia’s premium department store, David Jones. This strategic alliance marks a major milestone for M&S as it seeks to replicate the success of its food partnerships – most notably the sell-out launch of Percy Pig with Target in the US – this time through fashion.
The exclusive agreement will bring M&S’s best-selling Womenswear, Menswear, and Lingerie to both online channels and 24 physical David Jones stores across Australia, including flagship locations in Sydney and Melbourne. The move is a direct result of a renewed international strategy unveiled last year, which focused on building long-term, profitable growth through omnichannel expansion, franchise collaborations, and wholesale opportunities.
With over five million customers served annually by David Jones across Australia, the partnership is not only a reflection of shared values such as quality, innovation, and trust but also a sign of M&S’s confidence in the Australian market, where brand recognition already exceeds 50% of the population.
Mark Lemming, Managing Director of International at M&S, described the new venture as a natural progression of the company’s international strategy. “With consistent growth across categories and strong brand momentum as the UK’s most trusted retailer, Australia presents a compelling market for us. David Jones, with its heritage and reach, is the perfect partner for bringing the magic of M&S fashion to a new audience.”
David Jones’ Executive General Manager of Womenswear, Bridget Veals, welcomed the partnership, noting that it aligns perfectly with their vision to offer premium everyday essentials backed by strong brand equity. “Marks & Spencer is a globally admired name, and we’re proud to be the exclusive home of its fashion collections in Australia.”
From a retail editorial standpoint, this partnership makes strategic sense. Australia’s strong cultural and consumer ties with the UK offer a fertile ground for British brands with high recognition, and M&S’s reputation for quality, affordability, and trust aligns seamlessly with David Jones’ premium positioning.
What stands out in this move is not just the expansion itself but the methodical approach M&S is taking towards global growth. By investing in senior international leadership, including the appointment of a new International Partnerships Director and Commercial Director, M&S is clearly laying down serious infrastructure for sustainable growth beyond the UK.
In an increasingly competitive global retail environment, this partnership signals a new chapter in British retail exporting – one led by data, driven by brand trust, and executed with precision. If successful, this Australian debut may serve as a blueprint for future international fashion expansions, further cementing M&S’s place as a leading global brand.