Older shoppers up for grabs
Marks & Spencer will benefit from the disappearance of the Littlewoods brand on the high street, according to TNS. The market information group believes Littlewoods gets 60 per cent of its turnover from shoppers aged predominantly 55 and over.

TNS Fashiontrak data showed that former Littlewoods shoppers are most likely to switch to M&S and Bhs. Less than 2 per cent of Littlewoods shoppers consider Primark as their second shop of choice.

TNS Fashion Director TrakFiona Bell said: 'Primark's offering is targeted at a younger market looking for cheap fashion items and so the incremental sales from Littlewoods customers looks likely be low.'

Other retailers likely to benefit from the migration of former Littlewoods customers are Matalan, Asda and Bonmarché.

Littlewoods Stores was acquired by Primark parent Associated British Foods on June 11 for£409 million.