Sales boost keeps M&S recovery on track

Retailer Marks & Spencer maintained its recent recovery today after reporting another sharp pick-up in quarterly trading figures.

The group said like-for-like sales – based on store space in use for more than a year – rose 8.2% in the 13 weeks to July 1. That reflected a rise of 10.5% in general merchandise, which includes clothing, and 5.8% for food.