Marks & Spencer set out plans yesterday to hire 4,000 shopfloor staff as it revealed further evidence that its recovery is in full swing. While other retailers are struggling to pull in shoppers, M&S said total like-for-like sales in the 13 weeks to the beginning of this month were up 8.2%. First-quarter food sales climbed 5.8%, while general merchandise sales – which include clothing and homeware – were ahead 10.5%. It was the fourth consecutive quarter of growth for the company, which is spending £45m a year on a high-profile advertising campaign. Its chief executive, Stuart Rose, said: ‘This is an encouraging performance, albeit against soft comparatives for last year.’ Twelve months ago the chain unveiled a 5.4% decline in trade. M&S said the new staff, who will be hired over the next 2 to 3 months, are necessary for new stores and ‘to give better service’ in existing shops. The chain, which employs 59,000 people, is refurbishing its entire store portfolio.
M&S made clear that overseas expansion is high on its agenda for next year. The company closed its directly owned European stores in 2000, but Mr Rose said: ‘We are looking at opportunities. We have got a great brand.’ The company plans to open an overseas franchised store every week for 3 years, which will take its total of overseas outlets to 350.
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