M&S goes down memory lane

WHAT did Delaware? If you want Alaska, and you'll find it was a brand New Jersey. If these puns and Perry Como mean something, you may be a Marks & Spencer shopper whose Christmas preferences will not please Woolworths and WH Smith.

CDs featuring crooners and divas who dominated the Top 20 a generation ago sold in such huge quantities in 150 Marks stores last year that this Christmas all but its 25 smallest outlets are going big on home entertainment.

Helping the rush for Perry's greatest hits was a Coronation Street character who played a Como track repeatedly. Among those joining Como on the shelves will be Dean Martin and Dusty Springfield. Films feature Audrey Hepburn and Doris Day while stars from TV include Morecambe and Wise and Dawn French.

Along with cookery and gardening books are Marks specials featuring Bible stories, the Second World War and feng shui.

There is still space for the things you might expect to see, including The Snowman video, a Marks special on the Blue Planet TV series and Harry Potter.

'We were gobsmacked last year, particularly with CD sales,' said Marks. 'The customers were really into easy listening and we learned so much about them and their compulsive purchases. So our range this year is designed for the lifestyles of mature over-35s who might find other shopping environments intimidating.'