Marks & Spencer (M&S) recorded a +6.7% year-on-year increase in food sales over the 12 weeks to 09 August as the impact of its recent cyber attack fades, according to data from NielsenIQ (NIQ).

M&S’ grocery sales growth accelerated from 4.3% since its last report, with its market share holding steady at 3.7%.

M&S had previously said the cyber attack that affected the business back in April would cost the brand ~£300million in lost operating profit. After its IT systems were scrambled, the retailer only restarted click and collect services, after a four-month suspension, earlier in August.

Consumers see M&S being for ‘people like me’

New research from insight agency, Vision One, reported that, despite months of operating turbulence, M&S has remained in a strong position to lead the UK department store sector.

Its ‘BrandVision’ tracking service, designed to evaluate brand usage and perceptions, showed M&S holds a brand health score of 68 out of 100 – ahead of both Next and John Lewis.

A score above 60 typically indicates strong brand health, according to the Vision One benchmark.

Tony Lewis, CEO at Vision One noted that M&S had undergone a shift over recent years, with the brand winning on several dimensions, including trustworthiness, popularity with consumers regarding the brand as being for “people like me,” its polled said.

“The tide of consumer perception has shifted. M&S is winning hearts by being trusted, popular and relatable, while some competitors are losing relevance and risk stagnation, underlining the urgent need for fresh energy to regain cultural relevance,” commented Lewis.