M&S issues warning to shoppers planning to visit stores in 2025

Marks and Spencer has issued a warning to shoppers after strong Christmas sales. Marks & Spencer has hailed a “good Christmas” with strong sales of food but warned that British businesses face higher costs from the government’s tax increases.

M&S sales at food halls managed to rise 8.9 per cent over Christmas, with 23 December its biggest ever day of food trading. Stuart Machin, the chief executive, said: “This was another good Christmas for M&S, building on a strong performance in the prior year.” However, he added: “We’re not complacent.”

The company said: “The external environment remains challenging. As we enter the new year, the outlook for economic growth, inflation and interest rates is uncertain and the business faces higher costs from well-documented increases in taxation.”

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During the quarter, total UK and ROI sales for the retailer increased 5.9% to £3.8bn, while overall group sales rose 5.6% to £4bn. M&S added that “partywear sales were up on last year”. International sales were down 2.8% to £178m, largely driven by continued challenging market conditions in India and the phasing of franchise shipments.

The retailer said that “the opportunity for clothing, home and beauty in 2025 is to continue offering customers the best style, quality and value, but marry that with a focus on turning stock faster, further reducing options and optimising store range and space”.

Mr Machin, chief executive of M&S, added: "This was another good Christmas for M&S, building on a strong performance in the prior year. In clothing, home & beauty our focus on style, quality and value saw us grow sales and take market share in a declining market, with womenswear and menswear performing well.”

He added that clothing, home and beauty had its biggest week online for sales during the quarter, but store sales overall were down 1.5% in part due to weather.