BRITISH RETAILER Marks & Spencer is to launch a website specifically for the Irish market in the coming months.

The move follows similar moves by British retailers Next and Debenhams.

Speaking to The Irish Times, head of Marks & Spencer Ireland, Jonathan Glenister, said the launch of marksandspencer.iewas part of a £150 million investment in multi-channel selling flagged by Marks & Spencer in November 2010.

The establishment of a dedicated Irish website follows the launch of UK and French websites by the company. The site, which will not include food, will mean that Irish customers can have products delivered to addresses in the Republic of Ireland for the first time.

It will also allow shoppers access to products that were previously unavailable in Ireland.

Prices will match those in store, and the cost of delivery will be €4.95 for regular three- to five- day delivery and €9.95 for express delivery.

Mr Glenister said he believed the delivery charge was “competitive” and in line with other retailers, though it will be monitored by the company.

While some indigenous Irish retailers, such as Dunnes Stores, do not sell their products online, a number of Irish retailers have been significantly expanding their online presence.

Arnotts launched a newly expanded website two weeks ago. While not all of the products available in-store can be bought online, it offers free delivery for purchases over €50.

Marks & Spencer opened its first store in the Republic in 1979 in Mary Street, Dublin.

Over the last decade it has increased the number of stores in Ireland from four to 21 and now employs around 4,000 people.

Marks & Spencer plc, which does not break out results for Ireland, posted a pre-tax profit of £780.6 million in the 2010/2011 financial year, boosted by a 31 per cent growth in online sales.

Mr Glenister said trading in the Irish stores remains “challenging” reflecting the tough retail environment, and the company had increased promotional activity in its stores as a result.

It also plans to offer a number of promotional offers specifically for its website.

However, he said that specific product ranges such as children’s wear and underwear were performing strongly in Ireland.

The company continues to be “always on the look-out” for new store openings, he said.