Morrisons is reporting sales ahead of market expectations for the Christmas period.
The Bradford-based retailer said same-store sales, excluding fuel, rose 2.8 per cent during the six weeks to January 8.
Sales at its 220 former Safeway stores were also up by nine per cent, it reported.
However, despite the good news, like-for-like sales, again excluding fuel, at its core Morrisons stores were down 2.9 per cent.
The company also said it now expects its annual results to be in line with market expectations.
Earlier this week the retailer announced plans to close two depots, in Kent and Bristol, which with the earlier closure of its depot in Warrington means the loss of more than 2,000 jobs.
The closures of the three depots will lead to a one-off charge of £60 million this year.
