M&S has announced a drop in like-for-like sales in its Q4 financial results.

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has issued its fourth quarter (Q4) results for the 13 weeks ending 28 March 2009, which show like-for-like sales are down 4.2%, while online and international sales have increased 20% and 23% respectively.

The international results are attributed to the integration of the company’s Czech and Greek business partners, along with new store openings. However, M&S stated that the outlook “remains uncertain” – although it is “confident we are doing the right things for our customers and business.”

Sir Stuart Rose, Chairman said: “We have made progress against the key priorities set out at the interim results in November. Our customers are responding positively to the actions we have taken, resulting in an improved sales performance this quarter in both General Merchandise and Foods.

“International continues to grow strongly and we have managed our costs and cash flow tightly. Online sales were up 20% with further growth in market share as we continue to broaden the product offer.”

The year has been a turbulent one for the company. Earlier this year, M&S announced it was making job cuts and closing some of its Simply Food stores, after reporting a drop in Q3 sales of 7.1% over the Christmas period – click here ^[1] to read ICM’s news article at the time.

M&S will announce its full-year results on 19 May 2009.