M&S launches sportswear range
Top athletes endorse new lines
September 2 2002
Marks & Spencer has unveiled its new range of high performance sportswear.
The View From range is designed for use by serious and amateur athletes as well as the more occasional participant in sport.
All products harness fibre technology incorporating the Polartec branding, appearing for the first time on a high street retail brand.
View From includes clothing, outdoor footwear and accessories for men and women. Each garment is labelled with a range of icons to show the product benefits, from snowproof to breathable, quick drying to packaway. A skiwear collection, which will also carry children’s sizes, will be introduced in October.
View From, was bought from Olympic champion Brendan Foster and is being endorsed and worn by a line up of Britain’s top athletes including gold medallist rower, Matthew Pinsent; global yachtswoman, Ellen MacArthur; England and British Lions star, Jason Robinson; Principal Ballerina, Darcey Bussell; International cricketer, Darren Gough; British ski champion, Chemmy Alcott and European Tour golfer, Stephen Gallacher.
The last three British athletes to break world outdoor records – Colin Jackson, Sally Gunnell and Jonathan Edwards – all did so wearing View From.
The range will be sold in 125 stores with distinct sports shops in men’s and women’s areas, with the top 25 carrying the full range of products. Staff will be specially trained and on hand to provide advice but self-selection will be key.
Angela Masella, marketing manager, said: “With View From we have combined technological innovation and function with style and quality in an accessible environment. Customers say they often feel intimidated shopping in large sportswear outlets and would welcome an environment where they feel comfortable browsing but where help is available if needed. The high quality and excellent value for money associated with Marks and Spencer are carried throughout this range to deliver a genuinely unique performance sportswear collection.”
