UK: M&S To Expand Autograph Line Into Menswear

Struggling retailer Marks and Spencer is to expand its Autograph line of clothing into menswear, a company spokesperson confirmed today.Autograph, currently a women's only range, is due to get a facelift too with new designers coming on board to design forthcoming collections.The expanded range is due to launch on 29 August, the Marks and Spencer representative said.The announcement comes after numerous attempts throughout the year to update the beleaguered store's image. Marks and Spencer has seen its profits and share price plunge in the past two years, a period marked by boardroom rows and upheavals.Its new autumn/winter womenswear collection was given a tepid reception in July and sales figures were uninspiring. New chairman Luc Vandevelde blamed polarization within the UK clothing market.