J Sainsbury announces second quarter trading statement for the 16 weeks to 29 September 2012.
Highlights:
•Total sales for second quarter up 4.3 per cent(4.4 per cent excluding fuel)
•Like-for-like sales for second quarter up 1.9 per cent(1.9 per cent excluding fuel)
•Total sales for the first half up 4.0 per cent(4.1 per cent excluding fuel)and like-for-like sales up 1.7 per cent(1.7 per cent excluding fuel)
Justin King,Chief Executive,said:"This has been a unique and special summer,during which we have delivered another quarter of good sales,outperforming the market in what remains a challenging retail environment.Our total sales are up 4.3 per cent,and like-for-like sales up 1.9 per cent.
"The quarter began with the period immediately following the Jubilee celebrations,and was characterised by unseasonal weather.The quarter ended with the Olympic and Paralympic Games,which united and inspired the nation.We were delighted to play our part in helping customers celebrate this summer like no other,and are particularly proud of Sainsbury's association with the Paralympic Games.
"We are seeing the benefit of our ongoing investment in our own-label ranges,particularly by Sainsbury's,which is growing at its strongest rate in recent years,and our Taste The Difference range,which is seeing near double-digit growth.Our own label penetration is increasing at a faster rate than any of the major supermarkets;a testament to the investment we have made in the quality of our products.
"As we approach Brand Match's first anniversary,it continues to reinforce the competitiveness of our price position.Our customers tell us that they believe it to be the simplest price guarantee in the market.We have also celebrated the tenth anniversary of our partnership with Nectar which,when uniquely combined with our coupon-at-till technology,helps to ensure that we reward customers with great offers on relevant products.
"Non-food has increased its pace of growth to around three times that of food.Following the successful launch of our Denim Shop format,sales of jeans have almost doubled year-on-year,and the quarter also saw our biggest ever schoolwear season,consolidating our number four market position.
Source:
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/apparel-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=116520
