Marks and Spencer Group PLC (LSE:MKS) said it is “going into battle” on sportswear with extra functionality added to its website using the Sports Edit platform acquired last year.
The launch adds 200 selected women's sportswear and apparel products from third-party brands, including Girlfriend Collective and Beyond Yoga, according to a statement, alongside its Goodmove own in-house brand.
The upgraded platform combines Sports Edit's content curation, where users can shop by brand, with other features for those buying from M&S.com, such as free click-and-collect.
Part of the group’s investment in growth categories, it said sportswear has become increasingly popular among its shoppers following the launch of Goodmove in 2020.
“This year, we’re backing our growth categories with confidence and going into battle on sportswear,” said co-chief executive Katie Bickerstaffe.
“The launch of The Sports Edit as an integrated hub on M&S.com demonstrates the strength of our leading omnichannel platform; which continues to make M&S an increasingly attractive brand partner,” Bickerstaffe added.
Additionally, M&S said the launch coincides with a time when health and well-being are at front of consumers’ minds.
Shares in M&S were little changed in midday trading, changing hands at 151p.