By Joe Thomas, marketingmagazine.co.uk, 19 May 2009, 5:15pm

M&S tops 'most trusted' retailer poll

LONDON - Marks & Spencer is the most valued high street store by shoppers, according to new research from YouGov.

One-in-five (22%) of UK consumers said that the retailer, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2009, was the least likely business to disappear from the high street. The same amount said that it was the most trusted high street retailer.

The research, commissioned by marketing agency Baber Smith, also revealed that both Boots and Tesco had 13% of votes each as retailers consumers would hate to see leaving the high street.

Sam Jordan, managing director of Baber Smith, said: ‘With cash-conscious consumers paying closer attention to the purchases they make, retailers are now having to fight harder than ever to maintain levels of consumer trust.'

The news comes as M&S reports lower sales, profits and marketing spend. Like-for-like sales in the UK decreased by 5.9% and profit (before tax, property disposals and exceptional items) was down 40%, for the year ending 28 March 2009. Marketing spend in the past year also decreased by 8.6% to £127.4m and will again be lower for the financial year 2009/10.

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www.feminineplus.com - 19 May 2009

Currently I'd say that Marks and Spencer were subject to poor performance and a weak clothing section, it is crucial if consumers want to see it continue on the high street that they support it through purchases and positive feedback.

The success of www.feminineplus.com and agent provocateur shows that growth can be achieved/maintained during difficult economic times.