British retailer Marks & Spencer, which has four stores in the Republic, was buoyed by further sales progress today after seeing a return to form for its clothing department.
M&S said like-for-like sales rose 3.8% in the 15 weeks to July 12. The first quarter comparable stores performance included a 5.1% rise in food sales and an improvement of 2.8% in general merchandise, including clothing.
Today's figures showed that clothing, footwear and gifts achieved a 3.9% rise in sales after a 0.3% dip in the 11 weeks to March 29.
The first quarter trading update came as M&S prepared to defend its remuneration policies at its annual meeting for shareholders. There have been complaints that executives are receiving matching share awards in respect of deferred bonuses regardless of performance.
