Britain's biggest clothing retailer, Marks & Spencer (M&S), beat forecast by recording a growth of 0.7 percent in November, this year.
2005 has been a terrible year for retail.
Many desperate retailers have started discount schemes and early Christmas promotions, in the hopes of gaining profits.
M&S do not plan to hold any such fairs as yet, despite rivals Bhs, Debenhams and House of Fraser organizing discount days.
According to James Knightley, Economist at ING Financial Markets, M&S figures add to the proof that the sales are picking up once again and the hence the retailers can dare to be aggressive in their promotions.
M&S recently announced that eleven of their outlets will be open for 24 hours while other 19 will extend their hours till midnight, in week before Christmas.
Anthony Thompson, Retail Director, said that this would give their customers more time while late night shoppers will also be able to stock up their requirements for the season.
marketing@alchempro.com
