Marks & Spencer reported pre-tax profits of £780.6m in the 52 weeks to 2 April 2011, up £80m from £702.7m in the 53 weeks to 3 April 2010.
The first set of full-year results revealed by Dutch chief executive Marc Bolland also revealed that Marks & Spencer would be introducing more customer-friendly stores and a focus on emerging markets.
Marketing costs were lifted from £122.9m to £142.9m in the period. The retailer said the increase in marketing costs "reflects the increase in the number of advertising campaign in general merchandise and food."
±±¾©Èü³µpk10s in the period include a TV drive featuring Danni Minogue and the Capital FM presenter Lisa Snowdon.
Revenues lifted from £9.53bn to £9.74bn in the period as Marks & Spencer lifted its share of the clothing market to 11.7% and food to 3.9%.
its investment in marketing by recently launching a spring clothing campaign, created by RKCR/Y&R, showcasing new product lines.
In terms of strategic moves, Bolland said the retailer was making a conscious effort to overhaul the make-up of its stores, after customers complained they found them "difficult to shop".
In response, Bolland said it was meeting this challenge by making better use of space and creating more "inspiring in-store environment".
Bolland said: "Marks & Spencer had a good year with sales and profits ahead of last year. We traded well in a challenging environment, growing our markets share in both clothing and food.
"In November, we set out our plan to grown M&S into a truly international, multi-channel retailer. We have made good early progress and are focused on both trading the business in the short term and on delivering against our long-term targets."
M&S is also turning its attention to emerging markets. There are plans to open 10 new stores in India over the next year, which would bring its total in the country to 29. There are also plans for a major offensive in India and China.
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