THE BUSINESS TO COMPARE MARKS AND SPENCER vs DEBENHAMS

UK Retail Comparison

Marks Spencer v Debenhams

May 2006

UK Retail Comparison

Marks Spencer v Debenhams

Contents

Summary

Introduction

Task 1

Task 2

Conclusion Recommendations

References

Appendicies

1 ) Summary

This report studies the histories of Marks and Spencer PLC and Debenhams PLC and evaluates their performance over the past few years and their current position . We investigate the way in which both companies have performed and what key strategies they have operated . From the information researched we will evaluate their relevant performances

in comparison with the other . In compiling our studies we have also looked at the past current and future consumer trends and how they have impacted upon the performance and directions of the two retailers in question

For the purpose of research we have utilised Internet resources news articles and also incorporated the views and knowledge of persons who have worked within the organisations and / or studied their performance

Our conclusion analyses what we consider to be the most critical aspects for successful retailing and make recommendations as to what action we consider Marks and Spencer should take to sustain and build on the growth it has achieved over the past twelve months

Introduction

Marks and Spencer PLC and Debenhams PLC are two of the largest retailers in the UK . Both have experienced differing types of difficulties over the past five years . Within this report we will first examine their respective histories , tracing how they have achieved they have deal with the problems suffered and achieved their current positions . In this respect Marks and Spencer 's recent performance is more transparent as it has throughout been a PLC , whereas Debenhams , up until May 2006 , has been in private hands for the last few years

In relation to the above examination we have studied the past and current consumer trends and researched retail and financial commentators views on these performance indicators , our purpose here being to understand the effect those have on retailing in general , and upon Marks and Spencer and Debenhams in particular

We have concluded that , whilst in many areas the companies have reacted well to the consumer driven changes in the retail sector , there are other areas where their performance can be enhanced . Therefore we have included our recommendations as the specific areas that Marks and Spencer need to address in to maintain and build upon their recent success

3 ) Marks and Spencer v Debenhams

Marks and Spencer PLC and Debenhams PLC are two of the largest high street retailers in the UK , with M S being the bigger of the two capitalised at ?10 .4 billion , whilst Debenhams , subsequent to its float within the last week (May 2006 ) is capitalised at around ?1 .75 billion

Marks and Spencer PLC

From its humble stall beginnings 120 years ago , M S became a PLC in 1926 , from when it began to build its store network . During the wars the company expanded from their store base in northern England to the southern part . By 1960 it had...