Standards and their importance: a retailer's view

摘要

Three contributors to this magazine—Munz (World Leather Oct 2003), Passman (World Leather Dec/Jan 2004) and Landmann (World Leather Feb/Mar 2004)— have raised the debate on the accuracy, interpretation and relevance of test data and test methods. These opinions discussed the issues of standards and performance mainly from the testing/research side of the industry and this opinion attempts to put the view of a major retailer, Marks & Spencer. Marks & Spencer has more than 300 stores throughout the UK serving 10 million customers per week. The company also trades in 30 countries worldwide, and has a group turnover in excess of ￡8 billion ($14.5 bn), which includes a substantial leather business of ￡250 million.