M&S reports slowdown in sales decline

Marks & Spencer reported a slowdown in its sales decline today after a better-than-expected fall of 4.2% over the first three months of this year.

Promotions such as its 'Dine in for €10' offer helped the drop in like-for-like food sales ease to 3.7% in the 13 weeks to March 28, from a decline of 8.9% the previous quarter.

General merchandise also put in a better performance, down 4.8% in the three months.

Mr Stuart Rose, M&S executive chairman, said customers were “responding positively” to actions taken to revive flagging sales.