Marks and Spencer said today its second-quarter sales had risen much more strongly than expected despite recent unhelpful warm weather.
The trading statement from Britain's biggest clothing retailer is likely to restore some confidence in the clothing sector after last week's shock announcement by rival Next that sent share prices spiralling on news of falling sales.
M&S reported underlying sales growth for the second quarter of 10 per cent, double what analysts had predicted and faster than the 7.7 per cent growth reported in the first quarter.
Non-food sales, accounting for about 60 per cent of turnover and most of the profits, shot up 13.2 per cent on a like-for-like basis against forecasts of a 7-8 per cent rise.
Food sales were up 6 per cent, stripping out new store space, compared with forecasts of around 2.5 per cent.