Marks and Spencer’s Global Sustainability Strategy: A Case Study

Abstract

In recent years, driven by globalization and digitalization, competition in the retail industry has become increasingly fierce, and the survival and development of retail companies has become a hot topic in the industry. How to achieve long-term, stable growth while meeting consumer needs has become a core issue facing retailers. Marks & Spencer, a century-old British retail brand, has leveraged its deep experience and ongoing exploration in the retail market to develop a representative sustainable development strategy. This strategy not only encompasses environmental protection, supply chain management, and social responsibility, but also emphasizes the balance between operational and social value. Therefore, its practical experience in sustainable development can provide valuable insights for other retail companies in developing and implementing sustainable development strategies. Based on the implementation of Marks & Spencer's sustainable strategy, this paper uses a case study as its primary research method. By analyzing the performance of Marks & Spencer's sustainable development strategy during implementation, it explore the strengths and weaknesses of its strategic system. It then discuss possible solutions and improvement suggestions, hoping to provide a valuable reference for other multinational retailers in their sustainable development practices.