M&S increases stocks of smaller womenswear sizes due to

Rise in sales of ranges in six to 10 suggests retailer has been successful in appealing to younger demographic

Marks & Spencer is increasing its stocks of smaller sizes in womenswear after a surge in demand left gaps on shelves.

Stuart Machin, the chief executive of the high street stalwart, said that three years ago about a fifth (21%) of the items sold from its main seasonal collection were size six to 10 and that had now risen to 35% as its “fashion and style ranges [were] resonating with a different customer group”.