MARKS and Spencer is to axe its furniture range as part of a major shake-up – and shoppers have been left devastated.
The Sun can reveal that M&S will ditch the vast majority of its own-brand furniture in the coming months.
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The retailer is pulling the plug on the sale of bulkier and larger own-brand pieces of furniture, including beds, sofas, wardrobes and garden furniture.
Instead, it will work with third-party brands to sell these products on its website.
M&S already stocks garden furniture from Kettler and Royalcraft.
At the moment, these brands are only available online and The Sun understands M&S has no plans to sell furniture from other brands in stores.
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We have also asked which other furniture brands it plans to stock in future as a result of the change.
M&S said the approach will help them focus on growing its core home range, including bed, bath, cook and dine as well as home accessories and fragrances.
While the news may come as a shock to regulars, it’s not all bad news.
The retailer will still continue to sell smaller furniture items such as accent chairs, side tables and coffee tables.
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The retailer’s made to order range – where shoppers can chose from different options such as fabric and size to create a bespoke piece – will end on July 31.
M&S will stop selling larger furniture items in the autumn, although an exact date is yet to be confirmed.
All furniture will continue to be sold with M&S’ 10-year guarantee until then.
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M&S fans have been left gutted by the decision and have taken to social media to slam the move.
Writing in the Marks & Spencer UK – Fans/Have Your Say Facebook group, one customer said: “Oh dear, that is sad. All our dining furniture is from M&S , and our kitchen chairs.
“I wonder why that is. That will be less to look at in stores.”
A second added said: “Very sad. I sold furniture for 27 years at the Fosse Park store and loved every minute!”
While another user replied to the comment, writing: “Very sad! All of my furniture is M&S! A bad decision in my opinion.”
And a fourth cried: “It’s going to make some of their larger stores look desolate.”
An M&S spokesperson said: “While we have a fantastic range of home products, we want to bring even more newness and great value, stylish product to our customers’ homes.
“To do this, we will range fewer large, own-brand furniture products and expand our range of key pieces like accent chairs, side, and coffee tables; working with third party brands to complete our offer.”
M&S introduced its first furniture range in 1986 and launched its Home Furnishings catalogue in the same year.
At the moment, the posh shop’s home range includes bed, bath, cook and dine, home accessories and home fragrance ranges.
It currently has more than 500 stores across the UK, opening several new sites, including in Leeds and Croydon in the last year.
Why is M&S axing its furniture range?
THE Sun’s consumer reporter Olivia Marshall gives her verdict on M&S’ decision to axe its furniture range.
M&S has been following Next’s example by selling-third party brands on its website, including Adidas, Clinique and Seasalt.
It first started doing this around three years ago and it has helped the retailer to stay relevant and compete in an ever-changing market.
All third-party brands are available to buy online and some are available to buy at M&S’ larger stores.
It’s even gone as far to say that it would be interested in buying other brands that would fit its business.
These kind of deals make M&S attractive for shoppers who may not have otherwise considered buying from M&S.
M&s has previously been accused of being too slow to spot trends.
With this in mind, it’s not surprise that M&S has decided to roll-out this successful model to its furniture offering too.
M&S will continue to sell its own-brand furniture, but with a focus on smaller furniture items, and complemented by third-party brands.
How to save money at M&S
M&S is known for drawing shoppers in with its good quality clothing, homeware and, of course, its delicious food.
If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, or your home, there really is something for everyone at M&S.
But it can be a little pricey, so knowing exactly what to hunt for is essential.
Shoppers at Marks and Spencer have revealed in the past how they bagged freebies at the store through its free Sparks Card rewards scheme.
Customers can pick up everything from croissants and cookies to the iconic Percy Pigs fir free.
Not only can you get freebies but, you can also bag discounts off whole product ranges like bedding and clothing too.
M&S is also popular for its affordable Dine In range.
On Valentine’s Day, it offered a dine-in deal for £25, for example.
The only thing you’ll have to keep in mind is that there might not be as much to choose from and stock just depends on what’s been left over from the event – this means it can vary from store to store.
Yellow sticker bargains are like gold dust to some shoppers.
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Supermarkets, including M&S, will often reduce the price of food nearing its use by date to shift stock and avoid food wastage – and the store will flag these discounts with yellow stickers.
Sometimes shoppers can save up to 75% off products marked up in this way, so it’s worth keeping an eye out in the store.
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