The Rise And Fall Of Marks & Spencer

Very interesting book.

I am interested in Marks & Spencers being a retail corperate I read with fascination PH

While the story of Marks and Spencer is a fascinating one I feel the author doesn't do it justice. The story is a bit long winded as if she is trying to make it a factual history book covering every detail rather than making it an entertaining read with the key points. At times she repeats sections of the story, I guess to remind you of what happened earlier in the book as it has taken so long to get to the point. I also think at times she has been swayed by certain view points and this means occasionally the book comes across a bit biased towards certain characters or view points.However saying all that the book is well researched and at times can flow well, allowing you to get caught up in the excitement of the growing business. It is also useful to know the pitfalls, where exactly the company went wrong. Having since relayed these facts to a colleague who used to work there I am told it's told exactly as it was.Overall it's worth reading but if you want a fast paced business book, this isn't it.

Would definitely recommend this book.It is brilliantly written and a offers great fascinating insight into a true retail giant.

I found it a very good read and educational

This book does an excellent job chronicling the tale of M&S.According to the early years of M&S its success was down to constant innovation:1. Fixed prices i.e. don't ask its a penny2. Upgrade in work environment for staff3. Sourcing products from manufacturers and a focus on qualityWhen Simon Marks passed away he left a solid company. Unfortunately Simon Marks also set a bad example to his managers. Marks continued to treat M&S like his own company and indulged in luxury that no publicly listed company should be allowed to do so in an ideal world. As a result it set a precedence for his successors to indulge in a toxic culture. The worst sin of M&S was that the Chairman/CEO could not be challenged in their decision making it had a yes men culture but after Marks all managers lacked his skill and flair to justify such power.From 80s onwards management of M&S wasted so much money that belonged to shareholders by trying to conquer USA, Canada and Far East. Unfortunately management were completely ignorant of the fast moving shift in retail scene in UK and lacked any capital discipline.The legendary head of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett had a more sensible approach when he brought the Nebraska Furniture Mart it only expanded to 5 sites and only when returns on capital could justify the expansion.M&S management never showed any such insight. Indeed in the 90s and early 00s they continued with expansion which decimated the company under the old business model. Ironically had Simon Marks been the head of the company although he set the toxic culture he was a talented manager. Simon Marks would have done the following in the modern era:1. Capitalise on the internet in the 90s2. Reduce the number of physical stores3. Focus on M&S Foods rather than clothes where M&S had a strong competitive advantageAs the book reveals that M&S was a third rate retailer when Simon Marks took over Sainsburys and Woolworth the most powerful retailers at the time. This eventually changed since M&S become so successfully it was once behind Walmart as being the most valuable retailer in the world. A different era

Bevan tells brilliantly the story behind one of Britain's most iconic businesses. From its humble beginnings, to the tyrants of the company, the ups and downs and how it rose from the depths of despair. A very readable and enjoyable insight into the real world of M&S.

Marks & Spencer is more than a British retailer of smart fashions at good value; it has deep roots in the British psyche. Generations have worked for the company or its suppliers, taking pride in its successes and suffering through its troubles. Judi Bevan captures that story in this lively, compelling history, introducing you to all of its executives and primary players. The store changed over time as the founders and their descendants finally gave way to professional managers who viewed M&S as a vehicle for personal ambition rather than as a family institution. To be fair, the world was changing, but the push for profits at all costs betrayed the company's principles. Chairman Stuart Rose has revived the company's culture while helping it flourish in a modern competitive environment. Therein lies a tale that getAbstract warmly recommends.