H&M had a strong April, when like-for-like sales climbed 8 per cent and total sales soared 18 per cent.

The performance ended eight months of successive like-for-like falls for the fashion giant. Analysts believe H&M was helped by warm weather in its most important markets, such as Germany.

A collaboration with UK designer Matthew Williamson, which launched last month, also helped lift sales. The designer’s summer range hit shops last week.