Marks & Spencer reports rising Q4 sales

British high street retailer Marks & Spencer posted rising fourth-quarter sales on Thursday, boosted by strong performances for clothing and food, and also at its international division.
Sales climbed 1.9 percent in the 13 weeks to March 29, compared with the same period of the group's previous financial year, M&S said in a trading update.
In home market Britain, sales grew 1.5 percent, but fell by 0.2 percent on a like-for-like basis that strips out the impact of new floor space.
M&S added that clothing sales rallied 1.3 percent in the reporting period, aided by "clear signs" of a recovery in womenswear.
Food sales jumped 2.5 percent, despite the later timing of the Easter holiday, while general merchandise added 0.2 percent.
Sales at stores outside Britain jumped 4.7 percent, aided by strength in India, China and in the Gulf.