Marks & Spencer makes it back to Indonesia
Marks & Spencer makes it back to Indonesia
By Danielle Bray
JAKARTA (JP): After an Autumn departure from Jakarta, the UK-
based chain Marks & Spencer is launching a new look, and three
new stores around the city.
The opening of the first store took place on Friday at Sogo,
Plaza Senayan, with two more expected to open July 15 in Plaza
Indonesia and July 21 in Pasaraya Blok M.
The chain was originally opened in Indonesia in the mid-1980s
but closed down this past fall due to the political upheaval and
a critical financial situation.
Gill Morton, the director of franchise for Marks & Spencer
Asia Pacific, said, "Marks & Spencer will become a new brand
identity, with a new concept that is in line with Marks & Spencer
retail disciplines ... a very dynamic and up to date retail with
a pleasant service style. And Indonesia is the first country in
Asia Pacific that applies the new concept of the Marks & Spencer
store."
The new concept being that of a chic, more modern look for the
changing trends of the new millennium, Morton said during a
ceremony here on Thursday.
By the end of 2000, Marks & Spencer will have opened another
six stores in Indonesia, and in the next three years it will have
opened another 12 stores, Morton said. He concluded that "with
the enormous population it has, Indonesia is a very potential
market, and we are very optimistic that we can continually expand
business in Indonesia".
British Ambassador to Indonesia Sir Robin Christopher stated
that "the British have remained a very loyal means of interest in
Indonesia, throughout the previous and current political
instabilities".
He added that the British "have shared and prospered in the
past, share the current, and hope to be able to share in the
growth of the future".
The ambassador was wearing a smart suit, compliments of Marks
& Spencer, for which he made a final plug, stating that he
"always buys their product" and that it is a "happy store in
which people can identify".
After the speeches, the guests were treated to a fashion show
of the new arrivals expected to hit the Plaza Senayan Sogo store.
Sleepwear, for both men and women, were featured articles of
the first routine. The models approached the catwalk to the
sounds of birds chirping, as they sleepily wiped their eyes and
sported the latest satin and cotton nighties, cotton boxer shorts
and T-shirts. They also carried out Marks & Spencer signature
body sprays and lotions, which they applied onstage.
Featured next was a beachwear/casual line. Hidden beneath M&S
sunglasses, the models strutted onto the stage carrying
beach balls and tote bags. The collection featured an array of
pastel colors and simplistic designs. The models wore the outfits
well, creating a look of sophisticated, yet casual elegance.
The Marks & Spencer line of business attire for men sported
style and class. The male models showcased a variety of ties,
button-down shirts and cuffed dress pants.
The women donned smart suits, that ranged from linen to a
variety of cotton blends. The clothes not only appeared to be
comfortable, but were stylish.
The collections shown displayed an updated, contemporary look
to the original Marks & Spencer clothing label, St. Michaels. The
styles were trendy, young, sleek and bold.