M&S reports better-than-expected first quarter sales

Marks & Spencer delivered better-than-expected sales figures today amid signs of a revival for its struggling womenswear business.

The British retailer said clothing sales rose 0.6 per cent on an underlying basis in the 13 weeks to March 29th, driven by “clear signs of improvement” in womenswear following last autumn’s relaunch of its M&S Collection.

The company said in a trading update: “Customers are responding well to our refocus on quality and style.”