This quarter we successfully completed the migration of our website from Amazon onto our new platform. Despite this major change, M&S.com delivered a good performance with total sales up 12.5%. We managed the transition cautiously, reducing our usual level of marketing activity in order to ensure a smooth migration. In May we will launch a new external marketing campaign to promote the site.
Marks and Spencer Group Plc announces Quarter 4 2013/14 results for 13 Weeks to 29 March 2014. Marks and Spencer Group showed an improved performance #
The International business continues to perform well. Our priority markets delivered a strong performance with strong growth in India, in our flagship stores in China and in the Gulf. We are pleased with the performance in Western Europe, with good improvement in Greece and Czech.
Marks and Spencer Group Plc announces Quarter 4 2013/14 results for 13 Weeks to 29 March 2014. Marks and Spencer Group showed an improved performance #
Guidance
We expect the full year gross margin in Food to be slightly ahead of previous guidance. As a result of a highly promotional market, we now expect the second half General Merchandise gross margin to be down, in line with the first half of the year. As a result, we expect the full year UK gross margin to be down c. 20 bps.
Marks and Spencer Group Plc announces Quarter 4 2013/14 results for 13 Weeks to 29 March 2014. Marks and Spencer Group showed an improved performance #
Outlook
Despite some improvement in consumer confidence, we remain cautious about the outlook. Our focus is on continuing to transform Marks & Spencer into an international, multi-channel retailer.
Marks and Spencer Group Plc announces Quarter 4 2013/14 results for 13 Weeks to 29 March 2014. Marks and Spencer Group showed an improved performance #
M&S