J Sainsbury has posted a 4.3 per cent increase in total sales (including VAT, excluding fuel) during the first quarter and a 1.9 per cent rise in like-for-like sales.
Chief executive Justin King said: 'We've delivered a solid sales performance, in line with our expectations, in spite of the continued tough consumer environment.'
The difficult conditions were punctuated by a variety of national celebrations – easter, the royal wedding, some unseasonably good weather in April – that encouraged customers to splash out.
When they weren't celebrating, however, shoppers were determined to keep costs low and all three of Sainsbury's own-label ranges saw volume and sales growth, with the low-end Basics brand now the retailer's fastest-growing line.
Although general merchandise and clothing sales grew faster than food, Sainsbury's convenience business grew at 20 per cent and its online groceries arm grew at over 20 per cent.
In a separate statement on corporate social responsibility, the retail chain reiterated its commitment to sourcing UK fresh produce, saying it was the number-one retailer for UK asparagus and that one in three UK pears and one in four UK apples are bought at its stores.
