Marks & Spencer is building on its sportswear success with the launch of The Sports Edit online.

The new platform marks the retailer's intention to "go into battle" over the activewear market.

It features more than 200 products from a variety of third-party brands include Beyond Yoga, FP Movement, Girlfriend Collective, Veja and Hoka - with more to follow throughout 2023.

Customers can shop the new edit now at M&S.com with free Click & Collect to over 700 locations including stores in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

The launch follows M&S's investment in sports platform The Sports Edit at the start of 2022 and is part of its plans to expand its sportswear offering.

The platform features product inspiration including 'winter ready workout tops' and 'running trainer picks' plus wellness content and advice to offer M&S customers a one-stop-shop for health and wellness.

Nick Paulson-Ellis, CEO and founder at The Sports Edit, said: The launch builds on M&S's foundation in sportswear to take it to the next level, filling gaps in areas that require specialist products, such as trainers to offer a platform equipped for the future."

The brands will sit alongside the retailer's own activewear brand, Goodmove and help capitalise on its success.

Launched in 2020, it has grown to become M&S's biggest in-house brand - selling 1.6 million products annually. The latest Spring collection has added kidswear to its popular womens and mens items.

Figures from the M&S Family Matters Index show that 44% of consumers are planning to do more exercise and take their physical health more seriously in 2023. This trend is mirrored on M&S.com as, in January searches for trainers were up 30% compared to last year.

Katie Bickerstaffe, co-chief executive at M&S, said: "This year, we're backing our growth categories with confidence and going into battle on sportswear.

"Building on the strong foundation of Goodmove, we're combining our brand loyalty with the expertise of The Sports Edit to offer our customers an online sports retail platform which is a one-stop-shop for health and wellness.

"The launch of The Sports Edit as an integrated hub on M&S.com demonstrates the strength of our leading omnichannel platform, which continues to make M&S an increasingly attractive brand partner."