M&S boosted as profits overshadow clothing woes

Shares at Marks & Spencer were on the front foot after the retail giant unveiled a better-than-expected rise in half-year profits, but saw a further fall in sales at its embattled clothing arm as it cut back on sales promotions.

The chain said underlying pre-tax profits rose 6.1% to £284m in the six months to September 26 thanks to higher food sales and as it focused on profit margins in its general merchandise business, which includes womenswear.