Marks & Spencer extends RFID tagging nationwide

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is to extend the item-level radio frequency ID (RFID) tagging of clothing items following successful trials in 42 stores.

M&S has been one of the early UK pioneers in using RFID tags in the retail sector and first trialled the tracking technology on a selection of men's clothing in its High Wycombe store in 2003.

The RFID tags are contained in throwaway paper labels attached to, but not embedded in, a variety of men's and women's clothing items in stores. M&S uses mobile scanners to scan garment tags on the shop floor, and portals at distribution centres and the loading bays of stores allow rails of hanging garments to be pushed through and read at speed.

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A spokeswoman for M&S told silicon.com that item-level RFID tagging of certain ranges of clothing will now be rolled out to a further 80 stores in the spring of 2007.

"We are tagging a variety of complex sizing items such as men's suits and women's trousers and skirts. Anything where you can have a wide variety of clothing sizes," she said.

M&S is also looking at extending RFID tagging to other clothing departments from the autumn of next year, she added.

The retailer is aiming to use RFID tags to help achieve its goal of 100 per cent stock accuracy by ensuring the right goods and sizes are in the right stores to meet demand.

James Stafford, head of clothing RFID at M&S, said at the company's interim financial results presentation last week: "Our clothing RFID work is a good example of how we are using new technology for increased business efficiency and customer service. Stock accuracy has improved and the customers have commented on the more consistent availability of sizes."