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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| M&S hit by poor Christmas sales | M&S hit by poor Christmas sales |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Retailing giant Marks and Spencer has reported a fall in sales over the key Christmas trading period, adding to signs of a slowdown in UK spending. | |
| UK like-for-like sales fell 2.2% in the last three months of 2007, M&S's worst quarter for more than two years. | UK like-for-like sales fell 2.2% in the last three months of 2007, M&S's worst quarter for more than two years. |
| Sales of clothes and homeware were hit especially hard, falling 3.2%, while food sales dropped 1.5%. | Sales of clothes and homeware were hit especially hard, falling 3.2%, while food sales dropped 1.5%. |
| M&S said trading conditions were "more challenging" in November and December and would remain tough in 2008. | M&S said trading conditions were "more challenging" in November and December and would remain tough in 2008. |
| In contrast to its poor results at home, however, M&S's international sales rose 15.1%. | In contrast to its poor results at home, however, M&S's international sales rose 15.1%. |
| Other firms have also been hit over Christmas as consumers spend less. | Other firms have also been hit over Christmas as consumers spend less. |
| On Monday, the British Retail Consortium said UK retailers had seen the slowest sales growth in December for three years, with sales up by just 0.3% year-on-year. | On Monday, the British Retail Consortium said UK retailers had seen the slowest sales growth in December for three years, with sales up by just 0.3% year-on-year. |