Marks and Spencer has reported a 58% rise in annual profit, beating market expectations, as it launches "the beginnings of a new M&S".
An expensive investment programme to improve the quality and value of its products, as well as a radical haul of its estate, has seen 20 years of failed turnaround efforts pay off with a 12th-consectuve quarter of sales growth.
Profit before tax and adjusting items shot up to £716.4m, from £453.3m the year previous.
Overall sales were up 9.4% to little more than £13.1bn, while food sales improved 13% and clothing sales jumped 5.3%.
"We are becoming more relevant, to more people, more of the time," said CEO Stuart Machin, who said with confidence the "plan is working".
A new M&S
The British retailer has invested hugely on upgrading its estate, including in Aberdeen, where a £15m spend is taking place on doubling the size of its Union Square store.
Investment in store rotation and the end-to-end supply chain is beginning to pay off," Mr Machin said.
He added: "New stores and renewals are performing ahead of forecast and attracting new customers.
"Disciplined capital allocation underpins our plan, and the financial health of the business is as strong as it's been in decades.
"We have a clear plan, a clear vision for the future, and there is so much opportunity ahead of us.
"We are at the beginnings of a new M&S."