The figures for the seven weeks to January 12 show that total sales for Marks & Spencer increased by 8.9%, reflecting the boom experienced by British retailers in the run-up to Christmas 2001.
Luc Vandevelde, chairman and chief executive officer of M&S, said in a trading statement: "In a buoyant clothing market, we are pleased to see our customers responding to the better appeal, quality and availability of our clothing, as well as the store environment."
However, he also warned that the company did "not assume a continuation of the recent market conditions for general merchandise".
M&S has just launched Blue Harbour, its new casualwear range for men, and it also plans an early rollout of its spring collection for women.
Shares in the company were up 1.88% this morning, trading at 336.3p.
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