Marks & Spencer is launching a minimalist pop-up in Soho designed to challenge perceptions of the department store’s “stuffy” clothing.
With its white-washed walls, pot plants and black rails stocked with just a handful of pieces, “Mike & Tom’s” in Bateman Street looks like any other trendy menswear boutique.
But it is in fact named after M&S founders Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer. Next to cashmere jumpers for £89, cotton crew necks for £29.50 and casual checked shirts also for £29.50, it also offers access to pieces not yet available in-store or online.
The high street retailer said it is launching the outlet, which opens days before the start of London Fashion Week, to “demonstrate the improvements that M&S Menswear has made” in the past 12 months to “improve its style credentials.”
Wes Taylor, M&S’s Director of Menswear, said that the pop-up was designed to “challenge the perception” of M&S as being “stuffy” and “not particularly fashionable.”
He added: “Men are more style conscious and want more from their wardrobe than ever before — we know there’s lots to do in M&S Menswear, and we’re really looking forward to hearing our customers feedback now they know who is really behind the store.”
Mike & Tom’s will be open from tomorrow until Saturday, September 28, at 15 Bateman Street.
