Marks & Spencer reveals challenging trading in the lead up to Christmas

Total group revenue has slipped 0.1 per cent in 13 weeks to end of December compared to same period last year

Food revenue rose 3.6 per cent in total terms but edged 0.4 per cent lower on a like-for-like basis (Getty)

Marks & Spencer has revealed a challenging trading period leading up to Christmas and the New Year, marred by another performance slump across its clothing business and ongoing struggles for its food range.

The retailer on Thursday said that total group revenue slipped 0.1 per cent in the 13 weeks to the end of December when compared to the same period a year earlier.

Clothing and home revenue fell 2.3 per cent on a total basis, and 2.8 per cent in like-for-like terms – which compares the performance across the same stores – with the group particularly blaming a tough October.

Food revenue rose 3.6 per cent in total terms but edged 0.4 per cent lower on a like-for-like basis.

“M&S had a mixed quarter,” said chief executive Steve Rowe. He said that trading over Christmas had gone some way to offset a weak clothing market in October, but that consumer spending had been curtailed by tighter budgets.

Mr Rowe also said that Marks & Spencer remains on track to meet full-year expectations. The company’s financial year ends in March and full-year results are due to be published on 23 May.

He added that a transformation programme announced back in November remains on track and that the group has recently taken several steps to reshape the business to help weather future challenges.

For example, it’s forged a new technology partnership and has also announced that it is selling its Hong Kong-based business to help streamline operations and cut costs.