Marks & Spencer Share News (MKS)

Marks and Spencer (M&S) has revealed it's 2015 summer collection, amid long-term difficulties in its general merchandise division. Arriving in Spring, the new pieces are an opportunity for Mark Bolland to prove that his turnaround plan is working, following a three year decline in clothing sales.Recent figures indicated signs of improvement, with womenswear sales rising 1.3% in the first five months of the year.September's dip of 3.4% was attributed to unseasonably warm weather but it did not stop profit margins and share prices surging, lifting the dividend payout by 0.2p to 6.4p per share.Former Jaeger boss Belinda Earl headed the new 70-strong fashion team cutting cardigans and introducing sporty bomber jackets, kimono-style wraps and light duster coats.For maximum consumer engagement, Earl is aiming to balance "accessibility" with "fashion forwardness", whilst also calling for an adjustment of pricing.The lower end of the company's traditional price bracket is to be expanded and funds are also being pumped into in-store marketing, namely with an increase in mannequins to display the range and a quicker turnover on rails.Frances Russell, trading director, said of the plans: "New pieces in store every two weeks, rather than six, and a more responsive design process...[will help us]... read the sales and react to them."M&S retains strong results in food and plans to open another 200 Simply Food stores over the next three years.