Last Updated on: 19th August 2025, 05:07 pm
Fresh insight from Vision One, a leading research and strategy agency, reveals Marks & Spencer (M&S) to be the brand best placed to lead the UK department store sector.
The findings are based on Vision One’s ‘BrandVision’ survey of 1,000 UK adults in 2025, designed to monitor brand performance and customer perceptions across the retail landscape.
Despite earlier IT challenges this year, M&S has secured a brand health score of 68 out of 100 — well above the benchmark of 60 and outperforming competitors Next and John Lewis.
“Our research points to M&S as the brand most in tune with today’s shoppers,” said Tony Lewis, CEO at Vision One.
“Customers continue to trust M&S for quality and value. Our research suggests M&S has significantly more momentum and remains in a much stronger position than its competitors.”
The survey also notes a positive shift in brand image, with M&S consistently ranked as trustworthy, popular, and relatable for consumers.
Tony Lewis added: “The tide of consumer perception has shifted. M&S is winning hearts by being trusted, popular and relatable, while some competitors are losing relevance and risk stagnation, underlining the urgent need for fresh energy to regain cultural relevance.”
