Marks and Spencer has reported a 7.1 per cent increase in clothing, home furnishings and food sales in the 17 weeks to January 24th, 1998, for its European operations. Mr Steve Costello, general manager Marks and Spencer Ireland, said the performance of its Irish stores was in line with the general European figures.

"All three stores in Dublin and Cork performed exceptionally well, we particularly noted the positive effects of our redevelopment in Cork," he said.

"Our Mary Street [Dublin] store is currently in the middle of a £15 million redevelopment programme and had a record Christmas, particularly in foods," he added.