'More confident' consumers boost M&S

Retailer Marks & Spencer said today that consumers were feeling more confident as it posted a better-than-expected sales performance.

The high street giant saw UK like-for-like sales fall by just 0.5% in the 13 weeks to September 26 – better than most forecasts and continuing the improving trend seen over the last three quarters.

Executive chairman Stuart Rose said: “Whilst there is more visibility in the marketplace and consumers appear more confident, we continue to be cautious about the outlook.

“We expect 2010 to be a tough year and we will continue to run the business accordingly.”