Marks and Spencer (M&S) is expanding its global reach through a new fashion partnership with David Jones, an Australian department store.

The move marks the British retailer’s first international wholesale partnership for its fashion business.

It comes after a similar wholesale partnership with US firm Target was announced earlier this year. The company is now selling food items including Percy Pig sweets, which sold out within a week of the launch.

David Jones, which currently serves five million customers in Australia every year, will offer a selection from M&S womenswear, menswear and lingerie both online and in 24 stores across the country, including in Sydney and Melbourne.

M&S said brand awareness of the British retailer has now risen to over half of the Australian population.

The move is part of M&S International’s aim to build a global omnichannel business, utilising the expertise and infrastructure of strategic franchise partners in established markets and working with leading marketplaces to drive online growth and securing new opportunities in wholesale.

Mark Lemming, managing director of international at M&S, said that with consistent growth and strong brand momentum, there is so much opportunity for M&S to grow the business globally.

“We’re taking our first steps in Australia; it’s a market which has always shared long-standing and strong links with the UK and where brand recognition is high,” he added. “With a shared set of values surrounding quality, innovation and trust, David Jones is the perfect partner as we take our first venture into a partnership in fashion.”

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