M&S to plug into electrical market

MARKS & Spencer is poised to open electrical departments at almost 100 stores in a challenge to Currys and Argos, it was reported yesterday.

Chief executive Stuart Rose has announced the ambitious scheme following a successful 10-month trial, according the Sunday Times. The move comes days after Tesco unveiled plans to expand its electrical range and could serve a further blow to DSG International, the owner of Currys and Currys Digital.

Mr Rose plans to open electrical outlets in 13 Marks & Spencer stores, including at the firm’s flagship Marble Arch store in London where work has already started to create a new department.

He told the newspaper: “We’ve been trialling technology products since October last year and the results have been encouraging. Extending the range is therefore the logical step.”

The stock will include DVD players, televisions, stereo systems, land-line telephones, microwaves, camcorders and digital radios.

The group also plans to sell a streamlined range, including telephones, digital radios and accessories, from another 85 shops across the country.

Deals have already been struck with Sony, Samsung and Nokia to sell products in specially branded packaging, according to yesterday’s report.

Trained staff will run the departments and work has also been carried out to create user-friendly instruction booklets.

The report did not say if M&S planned to open an electrical store in Ireland.

It’s the latest in a set of fresh ideas aimed at improving the image of the high street giant over the last couple of years.

Earlier in the summer the company said it would take on 4,000 extra staff after reporting an 8.2% growth in like-for-like sales in the 13 weeks to July 1.