M&S Partners With Microsoft in Bid to Become a Digital-First Retailer

By Maryam Cockar

Marks & Spencer Group PLC (MKS.LN) said Thursday that it will explore how Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) artificial-intelligence technology can be used to improve customer experience and optimize retail operations.

FTSE 100-listed M&S said the strategic partnership with the U.S. technology company is part of its strategy to become a "digital-first retailer" and forms part of its wider transformation program.

As part of the collaboration, the company said a team of Microsoft artificial-intelligence engineers and product personnel will partner with M&S's technology team to accelerate the retailer's digital transformation. No financial details about the partnership were disclosed.

M&S Chief Executive Steve Rowe said working with Microsoft to understand how artificial intelligence can improve the in-store experience for customers and wider operations could be a "game changer for M&S--and for retail."

At 1250 GMT, M&S shares were down 0.3% at 292.80 pence.

Write to Maryam Cockar at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 21, 2018 09:19 ET (13:19 GMT)

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