Marks and Spencer sees LFL sales tumble
The tills are still ringing like billy-o in the food halls of retail bellwether Marks and Spencer but the group confessed that trading in other parts of the store was more mixed in the first first three months of 2011.
The tills are still ringing like billy-o in the food halls of retail bellwether Marks and Spencer but the group confessed that trading in other parts of the store was more mixed in the first first three months of 2011.
Like-for-like sales in the UK were down 0.7% on the first quarter of 2011, with food sales up 1.0% while general merchandise sales were down 2.8%.
Overall, UK sales were up 1.2%, with food sales up 3.1% and general merchandise sales down 1.2%. Within the general merchandise category, clothing sales held up reasonably well, easing 0.3% from a year earlier but home-ware sales were 7.5% lower.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
International sales were down 2.0% but direct sales were a bright spot, rising 22.8% from a year earlier.
"We have continued to manage costs tightly, and are confident of delivering full year profits in line with expectations. While the short term trading outlook continues to be challenging, we are focused on investing in line with our plan and are making strong progress against our goal of becoming an international, multi-channel retailer," said Marc Bolland, Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer.
More to follow ...
JH
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
-
Water bills set to rise by 21% a year – how to cut costs
Households could see their water bills soar by roughly 21% annually, but suppliers warn it’s not enough to address essential repairs.
By Oojal Dhanjal Published
-
Should you invest in Canada?
Canada presents a compelling opportunity for investors who want to look beyond the US. Greg Eckel of Canadian General Investments highlights four favourites
By Greg Eckel Published