By Kyle Morris
Marks & Spencer Group PLC said Thursday that its performance over the Christmas period was strong, with a rise in third-quarter sales.
The U.K. retailer said that group sales for the 13 weeks ended Dec. 31 were 3.60 billion pounds ($4.37 billion), up 9.9% on year.
U.K. sales rose 9.7% in the period to GBP3.29 billion while international sales rose 12.5% to GBP312 million.
Food sales increased 10.2% on year to GBP2.11 billion and clothing and home sales increased 8.8% to GBP1.18 billion.
The company backed its profit guidance for the full year.
“M&S sustained trading momentum through the peak quarter and both food and clothing & home have delivered strong growth,” Chief Executive Stuart Machin said.
Write to Kyle Morris at kyle.morris@dowjones.com