New M&S boss promises to revive clothing sales

Steve Rowe branded the performance as “unsatisfactory” after like-for-like sales in its clothing and home division tumbled 2.7% in the 13 weeks to March 26.

The high street bellwether said its clothing arm had come under pressure in the fourth quarter after a flat market and price deflation created a “challenging backdrop” for trade.

But shares in the company soared more than 3.5%, as it beat City expectations of a 3.4% fall and improved on the third quarter when sales slumped 5.8%.

Mr Rowe, who took over from Marc Bolland on Saturday, said reviving the retailer’s clothing and homes business was his “number one priority”.

It comes after he announced earlier this week that he would remain in charge of the clothing business because he was “personally committed” to getting it right.

Meanwhile, the retailer could take some cheer from the strength of its food business, as it beat the market to post flat like-for-like sales over the period.

Mr Rowe said: “We had a mixed performance in the final quarter of the year. Our food business once again outperformed the market by 3.5%.

“Although the sales decline in clothing and home was lower than last quarter, our performance remains unsatisfactory and there is still more we need to do.

“Turning around our clothing and home business by improving our customer offer is our number one priority. I will update you on my thoughts on the business in May.”