UK retailer Marks and Spencer Plc (M&S) reported a solid Christmas performance for the third quarter ended December 27, 2025, with total group sales rising to £4,993 million (approx. $6.69 billion).
Sales excluding Ocado Retail increased 3.3 per cent to £4,150 million, supported by a record number of customer visits during the festive period.
However, the Fashion, Home & Beauty segment recorded a 2.5 per cent decline to £1,273 million, with like-for-like sales down 2.9 per cent. Online sales returned to growth, partially offsetting weaker in-store performance due to lower high street footfall and earlier stock disruptions.
M&S entered the Christmas sale period with higher inventory levels, but strong December sell-through helped clear stock ahead of new season launches. The retailer also regained market share leadership and secured the top spot for customer perception of style, quality, and value, according to YouGov data.
International sales edged up 0.9 per cent to £158 million in constant currency. Growth in online channels and new wholesale agreements balanced softer shipments in fashion and home categories, including in markets like India.
Chief Executive Stuart Machin said the company is focused on accelerating its transformation strategy in 2026, with priorities including enhanced product quality, digital expansion, store upgrades, supply chain improvements, and structural cost efficiencies. Full-year guidance remains unchanged.
What This Means for Bangladesh’s RMG Sector
As a major sourcing destination for M&S apparel, Bangladesh’s RMG industry should closely monitor the retailer’s fashion segment performance.
- The decline in Fashion, Home & Beauty sales may result in cautious order placement in the short term.
- However, strong sell-through rates and renewed focus on value and quality could translate into higher demand for cost-efficient, quality-driven sourcing — an area where Bangladesh holds strong competitiveness.
- M&S’s digital recovery and store expansion strategy may also encourage more fast-response and flexible production models, pushing Bangladeshi suppliers to strengthen lead time, compliance, and product development capabilities.
Overall, while fashion sales saw temporary pressure, M&S’s stable overall performance and strategic focus on growth in 2026 signal continued sourcing engagement with key partners like Bangladesh.
(Apparel Times BD News Desk)
