UK grocery retailer Sainsbury’s has reported a 2.1 per cent increase in like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, in its third quarter trading statement for the 14 weeks to 7 January 2012.
Taken over a two-year period, the increase in like-for-like sales minus fuel was up by 5.7 per cent, the company said.
In what chief executive Justin King described as its “best Christmas ever”, the supermarket operator said it recorded more than 26m customer transactions between 18-24 December 2011, 1.5m more than the year before.
Sainsbury’s said its Taste the Difference premium range and basics line performed particularly well, with sales of the former increasing by 10 per cent during the quarter.
The retailer said the basics range also grew strongly, especially in staple ingredients, with sales of dried fruits up by 30 per cent, reflecting a greater interest in home baking.
However, consistent with trends over the past year, King said in a statement that he expected customers to “spend cautiously in 2012, particularly in the first few months as they tighten their belts post Christmas”.
He added: “Although the short term remains challenging, key events later in the year, such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, provide opportunities for growth.
“We will continue to invest in our offer to support our customers through these difficult times.”
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