Marks & Spencer pledged to take "action on a number of fronts" today after new figures highlighted further sales woe at the high street retailer.

The latest performance, which covers the 11 weeks to March 27, showed that like-for-like sales across the group had fallen by 3.4% on a year earlier.

Total clothing sales were 2.5% lower, the chain added.

Chief executive Roger Holmes said the showing was "clearly not good enough" and that changes were planned for across the group.

Measures highlighted by the business today include the need for greater consistency in the appeal of womenswear, more inspirational stores and improvements to the way its stores, head office and supply chain operate.

As well as continued disappointment in clothing, M&S showed signs of losing some of its strength in the food market after quarterly like-for-like sales in the sector fell 1.4% on a year earlier.

The latest figures come as blow to M&S after the chain showed signs of recovery last year.

Despite the latest disappointment, M&S said a strong control of costs meant it was still likely to meet City results forecasts, which are for profits in the year to April 3 of around £760 million - up from last year's £713.7 million.

Wednesday April 14, 2004