Marks and Spencer Group PLC (LSE:MKS) said a strong performance in food helped deliver a solid Christmas trading period, as the retailer continued to reshape the business amid fragile consumer confidence.
In a statement covering the 13 weeks to 27 December, the group reported total sales of £4.99 billion, up 24.2%, boosted by the consolidation of Ocado Retail earlier in the year. Excluding Ocado, group sales rose 3.3% on a like-for-like basis.
Food was the standout performer. Sales in the division rose 6.6%, with like-for-like growth of 5.6%, as volumes outpaced the wider grocery market.
Marks and Spencer said it reached a record market share of 4.0% in November, supported by strong execution, improved availability and lower waste.
Stuart Machin, chief executive, said a “record number of customers shopped M&S this Christmas”, with food attracting families looking for value and quality.
Core grocery ranges performed well, supported by innovation such as Italian ready meals, in-store bakeries and deli counters. Value-focused ranges grew 20% over the period.
Fashion, Home and Beauty remained more challenging. Sales in the division fell 2.5%, with like-for-like sales down 2.9%, as weaker store footfall offset improving online performance. The retailer said it had planned a larger seasonal sale this year, which helped clear stock and make way for new season ranges.
Despite the decline, Machin said the division was “getting back on track”, pointing to improving digital sales and strong early demand for new collections.
Marks and Spencer also said it regained market share leadership in clothing and home during the period and now holds the top position for customer perceptions of style, quality and value.
International sales rose 0.9%, with growth in online and food franchises offset by weaker performance in some overseas clothing markets.
At Ocado Retail, sales increased 13.7%, driven by higher order volumes, with Marks and Spencer products accounting for about 30% of total sales on the platform.
Looking ahead, the retailer said its full-year guidance remained unchanged. Machin said the group would accelerate its reshaping strategy in 2026, focusing on value, product quality, store upgrades, online improvements and cost reductions, while acknowledging that consumer confidence remains uncertain.