Marks & Spencer (M&S) has officially launched its fashion lines in Australia through a landmark partnership with David Jones, the country’s premier department store chain. This marks M&S’s first international wholesale partnership in fashion, furthering the brand’s ambition to build a global, omnichannel business.
A Strategic Step into Australia’s Fashion Market
Starting this month, a curated selection of M&S womenswear, menswear, and lingerie is now available across 24 David Jones stores, including flagship locations in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as online through the David Jones website.
This partnership builds on M&S’s global momentum, following its successful food collaboration with Target in the United States, and showcases its continued focus on working with strategic franchise and wholesale partners in key international markets.
Executive Insights
Mark Lemming, Managing Director of International at M&S, explained:
“Last year we reset our priorities for international, with a focus on offering the magic of M&S to customers across the world. With consistent growth in food and fashion, home & beauty, and strong brand momentum as the UK’s most trusted retailer, there is now so much opportunity for us to grow globally.
Australia has always shared long-standing links with the UK, and brand recognition for M&S is high. With shared values around quality, innovation and trust, David Jones is the perfect partner.”
Bridget Veals, Executive General Manager of Womenswear at David Jones, added:
“The arrival of M&S marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us, as we continue to curate a world-class portfolio of brands that deliver both elevated everyday essentials and exceptional value.
We’re proud to be the exclusive home of Marks & Spencer Fashion in Australia and look forward to building a strong connection between this global brand and our customers.”
What It Means for Retail Partners
This strategic collaboration offers a compelling franchise and distribution model for global brands looking to expand into mature, brand-conscious markets like Australia. M&S’s move is also a clear signal to investors and retail operators that omnichannel retail partnerships—especially with trusted, localized brands—are increasingly vital to international expansion.
Partner with Global Brands via Star Brands Consulting Group
If you’re a distributor, department store operator, or franchise investor looking to connect with globally recognized retail brands like Marks & Spencer, we can help. At Star Brands Consulting Group, we work closely with both franchisees and licensors to drive sustainable, scalable growth in global markets.