M&S sales surge ahead

The retail chain beat City expectations in the 13 weeks to October 2, with general merchandise sales up seven per cent and food sales ahead 3.7 per cent.

The retailer said its latest advertising campaign had driven customers to its stores and helped boost its clothing market share to 10.3 per cent, but warned the increased marketing would lead to operating costs at the top end of forecasts.

Chief executive Marc Bolland said: "Marks & Spencer has had a good second quarter, growing market share across all parts of the business."

He added customers were "returning to quality" but warned that trading conditions are likely to become more challenging as disposable incomes come under greater pressure from increased VAT and spending cuts.

Mr Bolland, who was poached from Bradford-based supermarket Morrisons last November, added: "We are facing increased commodity prices and significantly tougher comparatives in the second half. As a result we remain cautious about the outlook for the remainder of this year and next."

The new chief executive joined M&S in May, having led a turnaround of Morrisons during his tenure there.

The Dutchman is expected to outline his strategy for the retailer in November when the company presents its half-year results.

The update follows largely positive trading reports from supermarkets Tesco and Sainsbury's earlier in the week.

Tesco posted a 12.5 per cent rise in half-year profits to 1.6 billion and UK like-for-like sales growth of 1.3 per cent in the second quarter, while Sainsbury's saw accelerated sales growth of 2.9 per cent in the same period.

M&S said a "record" autumn season on women's footwear helped boost clothing sales, while there was also strong demand for men's suits and knitwear.

The company said food market share was up slightly to 3.7 per cent, driven by 370 new products, including ready meal and biscuit ranges, as well as its "Dine In" and "3 for 10" offers.

The online shopping division M&S Direct saw sales shoot up by 49 per cent in the quarter, and international sales were up 6.2 per cent, though trading conditions remain difficult in Ireland and Greece.