M&S reports 3.3% sales increase but clothing division continues to struggle

Marks and Spencer has reported a 3.3% year-on-year increase in first quarter group sales but is seeing growth continually held back by an underperforming clothing division.

The British retail giant’s sales for the three months to the end of June, on a constant currency basis, were largely driven by a strong performance from its food division.

In the group’s core UK division, total sales were up 2.7% on the corresponding period last year. Food sales were up by 4.5% and general merchandise rose by 0.5%.