Asda, the Walmart-owned retailer, has announced that comp sales during the third quarter of the year increased 6.9 per cent, up from 6 per cent in the second quarter and 5 per cent in the first quarter.

The improvement was a result of increased customer numbers and higher per-basket spending at its stores, the group said, with profit growing 'ahead of target' and costs under control despite rising energy prices.

'This is a another strong set of numbers,' said Judith McKenna, chief financial officer at Asda. 'We have continued to grow volume and gain market share each quarter this year by focusing on giving customers great quality and outstanding value at a time when they need them the most.

'We are absolutely committed to making life easier for hard-pressed shoppers,' Ms McKenna added. 'We will continue to offer outstanding value across our entire range of food, general merchandise and clothing. as a result, I am confident our stores are well set up to enable our customers to have the best possible Christmas.'

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