Gap sales have continued to improve both in the US and internationally with like-for-like sales in March ahead 11% across the group compared to an 8% fall for the same month last year.

Total sales were up 12% to $1.45bn (£951m) with international like-for-likes sales up 5% for the month.

In the US Gap’s eponymous fascia was up 11% on a like-for-like basis, Banana Republic was up 10% and Old Navy was 13% ahead.

Gap chief financial officer Sabrina Simmons said: “We’re pleased that we continued to make progress on our goal of driving top line sales and that we delivered merchandise margins significantly above last year”

She added: “While we benefited from the Easter shift, our improved sales also reflect that customers are responding well to our brands’ spring assortments and value proposition.”