How Marks and Spencer is using RFID in its Clothing Department (RFID Smart Labels Europe 2006)

How Marks and Spencer is using RFID to improve customer service and business efficiency in its clothing departments

James Stafford has over 25 years experience in the creation and management of Innovation. As Head of RFID he is leading the development of RFID technology to improve supply chain efficiency and customer service in Marks and Spencer. He is a recognised authority in this field and has contributed at many international conferences.

 

James started his career as a Food Technologist and holds an honours degree from Reading University. He subsequently broadened his career into Horticulture, Cosmetics, Footwear, Home Furnishings and Clothing. He has travelled extensively in his various roles, and spent time working in Canada. James believes in leading from the front, and this has given him unique experience in RFID retail implementation.

 

In a competitive retail environment new technology plays a key role in keeping ahead of the competition and Marks and Spencer has a successful track record of developing new products and systems based on major technical advances.

Marks & Spencer was established in 1884 and is now one of the UK's leading retailers of clothing, foods, homeware and financial services, serving around 10 million customers a week in over 300 UK stores, with approximately 65,000 full and part-time employees.

 

Marks & Spencer is unique in selling only its own label products. This control of its supply chain has enabled the company to achieve high levels of innovation in product development as well as its use of technology.

 

Outside the UK the Company also trades in 30 countries worldwide, and has a Group turnover in excess of £8 billion. In the UK it holds 11 per cent of the clothing market.