Fewer reductions in summer Sale at reviving M&S

Marks & Spencer put 10 per cent less stock on Sale this summer than it did last, the retailer reported in its first-quarter trading statement.

The store group posted sales up 5.4 per cent in total, and 3.8 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

Chief executive Roger Holmes said progress had been made in adult clothing and there were 'signs of progress' in childrenswear. However, he said home sales were hit by underperformance in furniture 'because of lower promotional activity'.

The retailer will open its first standalone home store next year. 'The performance of Home reflects our plans to be less promotionally driven,' said Holmes.