"Lots done, lots to do, lots of opportunity!" So says boss of M&S as he looks forward to the year ahead

Over the festive period, trading at the M&S branch in Freshney Place was strong as elsewhere in the UK

"WE enter 2024 with a spring in our step, but clear-eyed on the near-term challenges."

So says the chief executive of  M&S, Stuart Machin, after the long-established retailer revealed bumper trading over the festive period.

He continues: “Our strategy to reshape M&S for growth has enabled sustained sales momentum across Food and Clothing & Home.

"Thank you to our customers for shopping with us and to our colleagues who worked incredibly hard."

In his post-Christmas statement, he adds: "Our vision is to be the most trusted retailer, doing the right thing for our customers, with quality products at the heart of everything we do, and we are just at the beginning of what we can achieve. 

"Lots done, lots to do, lots of opportunity ahead."

As elsewhere across its store, staff at the Grimsby branch can look forward to a bonus.

Shareholders have also been rewarded with the first dividend for years.

On the clothing front, there is little doubt that  M&S has been a beneficiary of the closure of some of its competitors.

But its strongest growth is coming in the food sector where competition has never been hotter.

Although trading has been encouragingly strong, Mr Machin warns of challenging time ahead.

Says he: "There are consumer and geopolitical risks. 

"We also face additional cost increases from higher than anticipated wages and business rates inflation. 

"Nevertheless, the strong Christmas trading performance provides confidence that future results  will be consistent with market expectations."