M&S reports large increase in operating profit for 16 stores operated in Republic

'Lower supply chain costs in the food business drove much of the improvement,' says retailer

Reflecting a strong rebound for the once ailing business in Britain, the retailer reported group-wide total annual sales of £13.1bn. Picture: James Manning/PA

Marks & Spencer has reported a huge increase in operating profit to almost £28m (€33m) on annual sales of €320m for the 16 stores it operates in the Republic, thanks to food sales in the past year.

Sales in the Republic of Ireland rose by an "encouraging" 2.4% to £320.7m in the 52 weeks to the end of March, while operating profit climbed to £27.9m from £16.9m in the same period last year, the British foods and clothes retailer said in its annual group results.