• Gross margin is expected to be between 0 and 25 basis points higher than last year due to a combination of measures to mitigate input cost inflation. • Operating costs are expected to increase c. 5% as a result of increased depreciation, space growth and inflation, as well as investment in growth initiatives, offset by underlying savings. • The planned opening of new footage will add c. 2% to UK and c. 10% to International space. • Group capital expenditure is expected to be around £900m. • Effective tax rate is expected to be 25%
As one of the UK's leading retailers, Marks and Spencer sell stylish, high quality, great value clothing and home products, as well as outstanding quality food, responsibly sourced from around 2,000 suppliers globally.