Amazon.com, Inc. could launch own-label clothing in UK this spring (NASDAQ:AMZN)

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Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is reportedly preparing to launch its own-label fashion in the United Kingdom, Drapers Online reported.

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The e-commerce giant has picked the senior design and buying professionals from Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Primark, according to the publication.

Amazon ‘Recruiting a Whole Bunch of People’

The online retailing giant has hired Karen Peacock design director. She was head of design for womenswear and accessories at M&S.

Moreover, the company added Glen George, former Primark’s menswear buying director, to its team. However, his new job title is unknown yet.

According to a UK-based high street supplier, the online retailer continues to hire more people, and it is focusing on bringing in experienced people from M&S.

“They’ve been recruiting a whole bunch of people for about six months now, all under [vice-president of clothing for Amazon Fashion EU] Frances Russell,” Drapers reported, quoting a recruitment source. “You know whatever they do they’ll succeed: they have the resources.”

Early last year, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) hired Frances Russell from M&S, where she was womenswear director.

Amazon Own-Label Clothing

According to the report, the online retailing giant started production of its own-label clothing. The retailing giant could launch apparels in the UK in the spring, sources told Drapers.

The industry insider is saying that Amazon’s entry into its own-label clothing would create problems for traditional high street retailers. There would have big implications for those retailers. M&S should be wary as the e-commerce giant is using “M&S suppliers and former M&S staff.”

M&S is a no. 1 fashion retailer in the UK by market share, followed by Next, Primark, Debenhams and George at Asda. Amazon is at the 24th position, according to Kantar Worldpanel.

What gives Amazon a bid advantage over its fashion competitors? The answer is the retailer’s delivery service, which is “a thousand times better than M&S.”

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has own-label fashion brands on its U.S. website. Those brands include men’s formal line Franklin Tailored, women’s casual clothing line James & Erin and contemporary womenswear brand Lark & Ro. In December 2016, the company launched menswear label Buttoned Down in the U.S., which is exclusively available for Amazon Prime members.

Amazon refused to comment on its own-label fashion plans, according to Drapers.

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