Analysts expect the high street stalwart to report a dip in general merchandise sales, which includes clothing, of about 1 per cent, compared to a 1.5 per cent fall a year ago and 0.7 per cent rise in the previous quarter. The chain’s same-store food sales are expected to be up slightly, as its high-end items continue to outperform the market, which is locked in a supermarket price war.
M&S turned a corner in May when it posted its first annual profits increase in four years. The firm reported underlying profits up 6.1 per cent to ÂŁ661.2 million, beating City hopes and easing some of the pressure its boss Marc Bolland has been under in recent years.
Brokerage Numis said “Marks & Spencer’s strategy is looking increasingly robust”, despite the downturn in clothing sales expected when the group hosts its annual meeting in London on ÂTuesday.