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M&S and Zara

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Defining the Market

The industry that M&S are operating in is the textile apparel industry. This is a highly competitive industry that is constantly changing and it is crucial for companies in this industry to adapt to new trends and customer needs. M&S have a strong focus on consistent quality and high standards. They have been aware of technological factors and social changes within this market and have reacted in particular to the technological evolutions effectively, helping them to achieve one of their core competencies that is, quality. Driving forces in this industry proved difficult for M&S, globalization, the development of casual trends, and accelerating fashion cycles were major evolutions that became prevalent in the textile apparel industry, M&S were not reacting to these factors well and so they were becoming quite lost in their own market.

Macro Economic Factors/PEST Analysis.

Technological Issues
The textile apparel industry is becoming to rely on technology for faster production systems and better quality products. We have seen that M&S have had a successful technological component to their organization, close co-operation with suppliers and the use of the latest technology has been the foundation for achieving the highest quality in their products. The fashion industry is going to keep evolving with the newest technology, it is vital that brands react to this macro-economic factor as it will be what may differentiate you from your competitors.

Economical Issues
A recession will have an enormous effect on M&S and this industry, along with their consumers. Costs will increase and prices will go down, leaving possible profits at a low. Consumer will have less disposable income and so spending will also decrease. M&S market share had dropped in 1999, and it could happen again. M&S need to be aware of

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