Marks and Spencer sales up 5.3% in last quarter

LONDON: British retailer Marks and Spencer says sales were up 5.3 per cent in the 13 weeks ending Oct. 2 when not counting newly opened store space.

Thursday's report was stronger than analysts had forecast. General merchandise sales were up 7 per cent and food sales rose 3.7 per cent.

M&S said that when including the contribution of new stores and floor space, total sales were up 6.5 per cent.

The company warned of tougher times ahead, as it expects consumer spending to be squeezed by government spending cuts and higher sales taxes in the new year.