Markets 
Get ready, fashionistas — the US is about to get seriously more stylish.
The British retailer Marks & Spencer is returning to America for a second try in a partnership with Nordstrom in an attempt to win over the US fashion-forward. This will also be the first time the posh yet accessible English brand will be sold in American brick-and-mortar stores, as reported by Forbes.
According to Marks & Spencer’s corporate webpage, one in 10 American customers is currently aware of the global retailer, with women ages 25 to 34 being most likely to have heard of it. Over 51,000 customers shop on the US website per year.
The brand takeover from across the pond is kicking off with a curated women’s wear capsule in 30 Nordstrom locations nationwide, which includes around 60 pieces of clothing selected from the core ranges of Mark & Spencer. The rollout will include its standout Per Una label, which focuses on elegant, wear-everywhere pieces that play with texture and prints.
This second attempt at turning American women towards selecting Mark & Spencer for their wardrobes comes after the first try ended in misadventure. The retailer first tried to penetrate the US market in the 1980s, acquiring the Brooks Brothers parent company and attempting to launch its own stores.
They subsequently left the country in 2001 with their proverbial tail between their legs after American shoppers failed to find items from the British brand premium or ringing in at a competitive price, along with not-quite-right sizing and a foggy brand identity.
But in 2026, Mark & Spencer appears to have learned from past marketing mistakes. As part of this modern-day go-around, the retailer quietly reintroduced itself to American Target shoppers in 2022 with the food-focused part of their brand, now selling more than 30,000 bags of Percy Pigs candy per week, along with other staples.
With that venture being successful, they will now try with apparel, with a more apparent brand image.
Having also launched a lingerie line, they additionally plan to venture into menswear later this month.
“Our purpose is to bring the best of M&S to customers around the world,” Mark Lemming, managing director of International at M&S, commented, as reported on the brand website. “With strong brand momentum as the UK’s most trusted retailer and now leading in style, quality and value perceptions in our womenswear range, now is the time to build our brand awareness in the US Fashion market and establish ourselves as a globally trusted brand.”
“We’re delighted to partner with Nordstrom, a partner who shares our values and will support us as we accelerate our growth,” he continued.
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