08/01/2014

Sainsbury's Records Strong Sales

Sainsbury's has said it has recorded "strong sales" in its third-quarter trading performance.

In the 14 weeks to 4 January 2014, the supermarket chain said like-for-like sales, which strip out the effect of new stores and excludes fuel, increased by 0.2%.

This was the 36th consecutive quarter of like-for-like sales for the firm.

The statement by Sainsbury's on Wednesday morning saw its share price surge by 3% in early trading.

Elsewhere, it said the seven days before Christmas were the company's "busiest ever" trading week. More than 28 million transactions were recorded by the supermarket in that period, while on Monday 23 December, customers spent almost £17m. On the same day, one of the firm's Essex stores became the first to take £1m in sales in one day.

Sainsbury's also reported a steady growth in sales of its own-brand Taste the Difference range, which saw a rise in sales of more than 10%, while its convenience stores grew by almost 18%, while more than 10% growth was registered with online shopping.

Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive Justin King said: "This quarter has been characterised by a very tough sales environment throughout October and November, with customers saving up in order to treat their families over the Christmas period.

"However, we saw strong sales in the key period over Christmas, helping record numbers of customers to Live Well for Less."

(JP)

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