M&S Food Sales Up 5.6% in Christmas Update, Clothing Down

Marks & Spencer reported robust food sales over the Christmas period, attracting a record number of shoppers in the UK, while its clothing, homeware, and beauty divisions experienced declines amid lingering effects from last year's cyber attack. The retailer disclosed its trading update for the 13 weeks ending December 27, covering the festive season through to the end of 2024.

Food sales increased by 5.6 percent on a like-for-like basis compared to the previous year, matching the full-year growth for 2024. This rise reflected growth in both value and volume, indicating that customers purchased more items rather than simply facing higher prices. The company attributed the performance to expanded Christmas ranges, which reduced waste and markdowns compared to the prior year. Strong demand also came from core grocery staples and upgraded products, including Italian ready meals, in-store bakery items, and deli counters. Value-for-money lines saw sales jump by about 20 percent as availability improved, appealing to budget-conscious consumers. Overall, Marks & Spencer achieved a record four percent share of the UK grocery market and positioned itself as the fastest-growing grocer...