Marks & Spencer share price up on FTSE 100 after announcing return to France

Shares in Marks & Spencer were up on the FTSE 100 in afternoon trading after the retailer said it would be returning to France before Christmas this year.

The company said it would be re-entering the French market with a "bricks and clicks" strategy that would focus on e-commerce as well as store retailing.

A new 15,000 square foot store will be opened in Paris on the Champs-Elysees this year and will offer a range of womenswear and food. The group is also in talks with SSP to find sites in and around Paris to open new Marks & Spencer Simply Food stores and stores that will offer both clothing and food products.

Marc Bolland, Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer, said, "Marks & Spencer has great brand awareness here in France and a place in customers' hearts. We're very excited to be returning with an e-commerce and retail offer to delight customers with our full range of clothing and home products, and the exceptional food from our Paris store."

By 13:40 shares in Marks & Spencer were up 0.92 per cent on the FTSE 100 to 339.80 pence per share.