New M&S boss Steve Rowe reshuffles womenswear team “to reflect way customers shop”
Marks & Spencer's new chief executive Steve Rowe has reshuffled the retailer's womenswear teams after pledging to revive the fortunes of the troubled clothing division.
The company confirmed it has made some alterations to the way the teams are set up across design, buying and merchandising, resulting in changes to around 200 people's roles.
The change means that whereas before a buyer would have been responsible for buying a certain product across just one collection, such as M&S Autograph, for example, that person will now be responsible for buying across all collections.
A spokesperson said the move was aimed at bringing the womenswear team more in line with the way people shop. The change has not resulted in any job losses.
Read More: Has new M&S boss Steve Rowe done enough to impress shareholders?
“Our womenswear teams are now organised by product type rather than by brand and range. This better reflects the way our customers shop with us and puts our customers’ view at the heart of our product decision making.
“In simple terms, it means that there will be one team responsible for designing and buying all of one type of product for our customers. For example, all of our trousers, whether they are M&S Collection, Autograph or per una, will be bought by the same team,” the spokesperson said.
Steve Rowe replaced Marc Bolland as chief executive earlier this month as the company unveiled yet another set of declines in general merchandise, down 1.9 per cent.
The fourth quarter results were nevertheless better than expected, leaving the City hopeful that with a new chief executive at the helm, M&S can make a fresh attempt at turning its clothing business around.
Last week, M&S launched a range designed by model and TV presenter Alexa Chung, inspired vintage M&S designs. It has teamed up with celebrities including models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, David Gandy and Twiggy although whether the latest tie-up will prove a hit with customers remains to be seen.
Speaking at the results, Rowe said its clothing division was his "number one priority" and there was still more to be done.