For the first time since the 1950s, Marks and Spencer has confirmed it will start selling branded goods at its stores across the UK.
 
It will mean 400 household brands, such as Kellogg's and Coca-Cola, will be sold alongside M&S' own-name products in 60 stores, and a wide range of lines.
 
The decision comes after successful trials in stores in the north-east and south-east of England.
 
The retailer with 600 UK stores said the move to stock branded goods would enable it to "meet more of our customers' regular shopping needs."
 
Chief executive Sir Stuart Rose told the BBC the company was bringing out key brands, such as Tabasco sauce and Bovril, to satisfy customers.
 
"The idea is if you want a favourite brand you can buy it, I'm a Tabasco sauce fan myself, so I'd like to buy the brand in our stores,ÔÇØ says Rose. "Customers are saying to us that I like my favourite brand... and you, Marks and Spencer, don't sell it, so I have to go somewhere else to buy it. We used to sell branded products in the 1930s and then again in the 1950s when we went own brand. It just shows how the trade has evolved and come full circle."
 
He said M&S would not reduce its own range of foods.
 
The move came as the store unveiled profits of ┬ú298 million for the six months to September 26 ÔÇô ahead of analystsÔÇÖ forecasts of ┬ú285 million.
 
┬áÔÇ£My team and I are focused on delivering the best that M&S Food can offer ÔÇö innovative products that provide unbeatable quality and great value,ÔÇØ said John Dixon, executive director of foods. ÔÇ£But, there are some products that we could simply never compete with.ÔÇØ
 
He cited Marmite, made by Unilever, and Nestl├®ÔÇÖs Kit Kat as examples of goods impossible to replicate. Other branded goods that M&S will stock include PG Tips tea bags and Jameson Irish whiskey.
 
