'Poor' clothing sales hit M&S's revival
SHARES in Marks & Spencer could come under pressure today after reports of disappointing pre-Christmas sales. The news will set alarm bells ringing across the whole retail sector, amid fears of slower spending.
Marks was tight-lipped about speculation that key lines including men's and womenswear are suffering. The problem is believed to be worst in women's fashions. Unseasonally mild weather is being blamed.
It is feared that Marks will find itself with too much winter stock as the spring ranges are due to arrive, forcing it to cut prices just before Christmas.
Any overstocking problems will be exacerbated because Marks stocked extra clothing going into the festive season in a high-risk move to regain market share. Unlike clothing, food sales are thought to be on track.
Marks said: 'We will not comment on trading - whether it is good, bad or indifferent.' It said Christmas sales will be revealed in a statement next month.
Most watched Money videos
- Iconic Dodge Charger goes electric as company unveils its Daytona
- Mercedes has finally unveiled its new electric G-Class
- Skoda reveals Skoda Epiq as part of an all-electric car portfolio
- Mini unveil an electrified version of their popular Countryman
- How to invest to beat tax raids and make more of your money
- The new Volkswagen Passat - a long range PHEV that's only available as an estate
- How to invest for income and growth: SAINTS' James Dow
- Land Rover unveil newest all-electric Range Rover SUV
- 2025 Aston Martin DBX707: More luxury but comes with a higher price
- 'Now even better': Nissan Qashqai gets a facelift for 2024 version
- Tesla unveils new Model 3 Performance - it's the fastest ever!
- Steve McQueen featured driving famous stunt car in 'The Hunter'
- Inventor Erno Rubik thought his Cube was so difficult...
- Intermediate Capital Group snaps up leading legal...
- Taxpayers could be on the hook for a multi-million-pound...
- Revitalised corner of Scotland that proves banking hubs...
- Takeover target Anglo American is forced to defend...
- Is the UK stock market finally due its moment in the sun?...
- MIDAS SHARE TIPS: Premium income doubles and profits rise...
- It's 'high and buy' from FTSE 100: The more the index...
- MIDAS SHARE TIPS UPDATE: GlobalData proves worldwide...
- FIDELITY SPECIAL VALUES: Best of British... fund that...
- FTSE 100 expected to be boosted as soon as next month...
- Coventry Building Society swimming with 'sharks' as it...
- Emeralds riddle of a bond from Cauta Capital that's far...
- JEFF PRESTRIDGE: Finally... a tiny bright spot in the...
- FTSE 100 chiefs claim they are hard-up compared with the...
- CITY WHISPERS: City PR man Neil Bennett cries fowl after...
- When will Gucci get its house in order? Fashion giant...
- Pearson's boss given a bloody nose as shareholders...