Per Una aims to be young and fashionable

The Per Una label is currently sold in 160 of M&S's 330 shops, and is a joint venture between the firm and designer George Davies.

Industry magazine Drapers said M&S hopes to open the first Per Una branch on London's Kings Road in June.

Per Una has been outperforming the traditional clothing ranges at M&S, which saw sales slip over Christmas.

Brand development

An M&S spokeswoman said: "We are currently investigating the feasibility of piloting the stand-alone concept for Per Una.

"We are looking at specific sites but can't confirm anything at the moment.

"If it happens, it will be the first half of this year, but nothing as been signed yet."

She added: "We are always looking at developing our brands."