Impact of Pandemic on Sustainable Practices at Marks and Spencer

Strategic Management
& Sustainability

Table of Contents
2...................................................................................................................................................1
3. Impact of pandemic towards development of sustainable practice.........................................1
4. Competitive stance of the organization...................................................................................2
5. Market positioning of company through SWOT and PESTLE...............................................3
6. Strengthening sustainability to compete in the market............................................................5
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

2. Background information
Marks and Spencer is a British retailer which is headquartered in London. It is involved
in the design as well as distribution of ready to wear garments including clothing, home products
and food products. Among its range of products lie separate articles for men, women and
children. The purpose of the company is to believe that creativity leads to new arenas. The
company works to unlock the power of imagination and provide new opportunities to the people
(Schaltegger and Wagner, 2017). It also works with the purpose of providing new possibilities to
the customers and communities.
During pandemic, a number of challenges were faced by Marks and Spencer. The sales
growth of the company has been low due to Covid. Due to lockdown, there were store closures
leading to a decline in the sale of the company. Though Covid did not affect the customers of
Marks and Spencer much. But people shop for its products to have a physical experience
(Baumgartners and Rauter, 2017). Hence, closure of stores affected Marks and Spencer’s sales to
a greater extent.
3. Impact of pandemic towards development of sustainable practice
The consumption habits of consumers have been drastically changed due to Covid- 19
pandemic. There has been rising consumer demand for health, safety and hygiene options during
shopping (Suriyankietkaew and Petison, 2019). Many customers have also transitioned towards
online shopping. This increases the need for retailers like Marks and Spencer to develop
sustainable practice.
Robust environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy
Marks and spencer designed a robust strategy for meeting the challenges faced by
business during pandemic as well as for meeting the expectations of the customers regarding
sustainability. It made planet based goals along with reporting transparently about its supply
chain. It also strives to reset its community program 2022 after reflecting upon the changing
needs of society post pandemic.
https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/sustainability/sustainability-at-mands
Using technology for reducing waste
1