Bad weather cost M&S €54m but sales still up

RETAIL giant Marks & Spencer reported difficult trading conditions in Ireland in the months leading up to Christmas.

The company did not give a breakdown on its Irish operations but said international sales were up 4.5% in the 13 weeks to January 1, which it said reflected a good performance across most markets offset by difficult trading conditions in Ireland and Greece.

The retailer said it saw its biggest ever day in food sales on December 23 with sales of more than €60 million across the group.