02/04/2015

Marks & Spencer Records Sales Growth

Marks & Spencer has said its sales for the three months to 28 March 2015, increased by 1.9%.

Publishing its trading statement for the fourth quarter of 2014/15, the retailer confirmed that on a like-for-like basis over the period, its general merchandising sales – which includes women's clothing – increased by 0.7%. This is the strongest performance in this area for almost four years.

The company said the performance was driven by a "continued focus on product quality and styling."

Food sales also rose by 0.7% over the quarter, with M&S describing the performance as "strong" amidst a "difficult market". It added that its new Simply Food stores were performing well.

There was, however, a fall in international sales overall. It fell by 3.8% over the quarter, with the retailer citing the continuing conflict in Ukraine and Russia's economic struggles.

Marc Bolland, Chief Executive, Marks and Spencer, said: "We have made strong progress over the quarter. In Food we delivered another excellent performance, with sales growth ahead of the market.

"We continued to deliver on General Merchandise gross margin, and are pleased that we have achieved this whilst also improving General Merchandise sales. M&S.com has returned to growth, as planned, with further improvement in customer metrics."

The company will report its full year results on 20 May.

(JP/MH)

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