M&S sales among mixed picture for UK retailers

Marks and Spencer sales rose slightly in the first three months of 2013, as good trading from its food business offset a fall in clothing sales.

Like-for-like UK sales were 0.6% higher in the quarter, helped by a 4% increase in food sales, leading to a 3% rise in shares.

WH Smith has announced that its profits rose 5% for the six months to end of February to £69m.

Mothercare revealed that like-for-like UK sales were flat in the 11 weeks to 30 March - although this was an improvement on the 6% fall in the previous quarter.

Emma Simpson reports.