Marks & Spencer's clothing sales decline slows

Marks & Spencer's (M&S) clothing sales fell 0.9 per cent year-on-year in the 24 weeks to July 7th, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel.However the decline of sales in the hard-hit division slowed compared to a 3.0% drop in the 24 weeks to June 9th.The data also showed that M&S's market share dipped 19 basis points, an improvement on the 38 basis point drop in the previous period. The report should come as good news to M&S Chief Executive Marc Bolland, who has led the overhaul of the clothing division with its new autumn range released last month.The figures come after M&S revealed on Wednesday it was closing four of its stores in the Republic of Ireland, resulting in the loss of 180 jobs.It follows a review of the Irish portfolio and difficult economic conditions.Kantar also said Debenhams' sales increased 4.2% in the 24 weeks to July 7th, compared with a 3.6% jump in the previous 24-week period. Next's sales growth increased to 2.0%, from 0.8%.RD