Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is a major British retailer selling clothing, home products, and food products. They are currently newsworthy due to their performance during the recent Christmas trading period and their involvement in emerging trends in the grocery market. M&S experienced strong sales in their food division over Christmas, but their clothing and homeware sales were negatively impacted by the after-effects of a previous cyber-attack, fragile consumer confidence, and milder weather. The company is also targeting shoppers using weight-loss drugs with specialized food products, aligning with the "Jab-uary" trend. While discounters like Aldi and Lidl gained market share, M&S's performance reflects the broader challenges faced by retailers amidst weak consumer confidence and increased competition.