M&S expects tougher times ahead despite sales growth

MARKS & Spencer has warned of tough times ahead in 2010 despite its first like-for-like sales growth in more than two years.

M&S grew sales by 0.8% in the 13 weeks to December 26, although it said trading from the first day of its sales would have added a further 1% to this figure.

The high street bellwether also took record takings of more than £50 million (€55.5m) on December 23. However, executive chairman Stuart Rose was in cautious mood amid lingering economic uncertainty.