For those not just waiting for Marks & Spencer (LON:MKS) numbers on Thursday there may be some clues to be garnered on the current retail climate from fashion brand ASOS (LON:ASC) on Wednesday.
ASOS, orginally called 'As seen on Screen', established at the turn of the millenium and reportedly used by the Duchess of Cambridge, posts interim results midweek.
The online clothing specialist has had quite a growth trajectory and the website received 98mln hits in December last year and investors will be keen to see whether the momentum has been sustained.
This week the stock has also been in focus after it emerged that Italian rival fashion site Yoox is in talks to buy UK-based Net-a-Porter, which sent shares in the company higher.
Yoox and Net-a-Porter are valued at around £1bn and the potential deal represents one of the biggest in the world of online fashion.
Earlier this month, there were also reasons to be cheerful as it reported its international business had begun growing again in the last three months as it dropped prices.
Retail sales for the three months to February 28 grew by 19% - which bettered expectations that pointed to top line growth of 15-16%.
In that, international revenues were up 12% after being down 2% in the quarter prior to this.
“We have also seen encouraging momentum in our international markets during the quarter…following the successful roll-out of our zonal pricing capability and our planned price investments,” said chief executive Nick Robertson.
ASOS's websites attracted 88mln visits during February alone, it revealed.
Significant announcements expected
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