This week brings a blizzard of updates that will give insight into how retailers fared over the vital golden quarter.

We got a taste last week of how the sector performed as fashion bellwether Next reported worse-than-expected figures.

Next’s results spooked investors which sent many listed retailers’ share prices tumbling.

But over the next five days we will get a true reflection of who were the Christmas winners and losers.

Among the heavyweights reporting are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S, John Lewis, Debenhams, Morrisons, Primark and SuperGroup.

The majority of these updates will come on Thursday, which is being dubbed ‘Super Thursday’.

M&S fortunes

A significant amount of the spotlight will, as ever, fall on the fortunes of M&S as new(ish) boss Steve Rowe seeks to transform the fashion fortunes of the 133 year-old retailer.

Some analysts have forecast a slight rise in sales at the retailer’s ailing clothing and homewares division.

Any sign of improvement would be a welcome boost for Rowe.

Tesco recovery

Meanwhile, at Tesco, boss Dave Lewis will be keen to keep up the momentum after a year of green shoots of recovery under his leadership.

Broker Shore Capital forecasts Tesco’s UK like-for-likes will remain in the positive region.

Indeed Shore Capital expects the grocery sector in general to have enjoyed a decent Christmas.

“With UK consumer confidence recovering from the shock state of the EU referendum in June, we believe that British shoppers went into the holiday season in pretty sound mood with a wish to have a good time,” it said in a note.

But beyond the basic numbers from the golden quarter, interest will centre on how retailers view their prospects for 2017.

With Brexit negotiations, an increase in the living wage, new business rates levels, the apprenticeship levy and a new US president, the sector has plenty on its plate over the next 12 months.

How retailers expect their fortunes to fare in the light of these challenges will make for interesting reading.