1st Quarter Trading Statement

Marks & Spencer Group PLC
10 July 2002

m press release

Issued: 10 July 2002


                  MARKS & SPENCER QUARTER 1 TRADING STATEMENT

UK Trading

UK sales (inc. VAT) for the 14 weeks ended 6th July progressed by +9.1%. Details
are shown below:

                                            14 weeks to

                                             6th July

                                          % on last year

Clothing, Footwear and                        +14.8%

Gifts
Home                                           +5.9%
                                               ____

General Merchandise                           +14.0%

Food                                           +2.9%
                                               _____

Total                                          +9.1%
                                               _____



Average footage during the quarter was level with last year, with a modest
reduction in General footage offset by a small increase in Food. Like-for-like
sales performance, which excludes any new, closed or redeveloped stores, was
+12.7% in General, +1.5% in Food and +7.7% in total.

Clothing performance of +14.8%, against comparative sales last year of -9.1%,
continues the progress made since last Autumn. Sales have improved in all adult
clothing areas, with the best performance being within womenswear.

Food sales have been impacted by the early timing of Easter. Adjusting for this,
progress would have been +4.3%, consistent with the underlying performance in
the previous quarter. Food inflation has been in decline over recent months and
averaged approximately 1% for the quarter.



Commenting on the Trading Statement, Luc Vandevelde, Chairman and Chief
Executive said:

'I am pleased with the performance over the last quarter which demonstrates we
are securing the recovery. This is the second consecutive quarter where we have
increased market share in clothing, reflecting the continuing progress we are
making in improving the appeal of our clothing and the store environment. Within
Food, we have maintained share in a very competitive market.

We were trading this quarter against weak comparative sales last year in
clothing and looking ahead our comparatives become progressively more
challenging. In addition, while current conditions on the High Street remain
favourable, the environment is likely to become less buoyant as the year
progresses. We are confident, however, that we can continue to recover lost
ground as we make on-going improvements to the appeal and quality of our ranges
and the overall shopping experience for our customers.'


For further information, please contact:

Corporate Press Office:  020 7268 1919

Investor Relations:      020 7268 4195/6594


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