Redknapp & Minogue help M&S ride out retail storm

Analysts expect the retail bellwether to report a 1.5 per cent increase in like-for-like sales in the 13 weeks to the end of June, up from the 0.1 per cent increase in the previous quarter.

M&S, which has 703 stores in the UK and 361 overseas, is thought to have reaped the rewards of changes brought in by its new boss Marc Bolland, who took over in May 2010, and has increased its focus on quality and value.

Its recent results are also thought to have been boosted by a new advertising campaign featuring former footballer Jamie Redknapp and former X-Factor judge Dannii Minogue.

M&S is expected to have reversed a decline in sales of general merchandise, which includes clothes and homewares. Sales are expected to be flat compared to a decline of 3.4 per cent in the previous quarter.

The group recently hired Ali Jones, the daughter of Ilkley businessman Sir David Jones, as brand director for the unit.

Food sales, meanwhile, are believed to have slowed to 3 per cent from 3.4 per cent the previous quarter amid fierce competition with the supermarkets.

While many retailers have suffered in recent months as consumer spending is squeezed, M&S has put in a resilient performance in recent months, helped by its Dine in for £10 and Wise Buys range of staple food.

Its clothes sales have been boosted by new ranges such as its Nearly Naked lingerie, which is designed to disappear under clothing, and its water-resistant Stormwear suits.

Mr Bolland, who was formerly chief executive of Bradford-based supermarket chain Morrisons, also recently announced new plans to redesign stores after customers complained stores were too difficult to shop in. Several pilots will be introduced in October, with new layout and signage.

He also announced plans to step up expansion in emerging markets such as India and China.

M&S posted a 13 per cent increase in underlying pre-tax profits to £714m in the year to April 2.

Meanwhile, the owner of the Superdry fashion chain is expected to reveal that profits have nearly doubled in its last financial year despite the misery on the high street for many of its rivals.

Analysts expect SuperGroup, which also owns Cult stores, to post an 87 per cent rise in underlying profits to £49.6m in the year when it updates the market with its results for the year to May 1 on Wednesday.

The chain is expected to have bucked the trend of declining sales on the high street because its clothes appeal to a young market and it has pressed ahead with ambitious expansion plans at home and overseas.

It is believed that the brand has so far proved largely resilient.