After coming out on top during the festive period, Morrisons is looking to cement its strengthened position in the retail market when it releases its preliminary results on Thursday.

Britain's fourth-largest supermarket chain delivered underlying sales up 8.2 per cent in the six weeks to January 4, the best results of any of the major multiples.

The Bradford-based chain is expected to deliver pre-tax profits of £627 million with turnover up about nine per cent to £14.4bn, according to analyst JP Morgan, which expects underlying sales for the second half to remain at around eight per cent.

After problems caused by its takeover of Safeway in 2004, Morrisons has completed the rebranding of its stores as part of a three-year turnaround plan led by chief executive Marc Bolland.

It has also re-launched cheaper lines and launched promotions, including Sunday lunch for four for £4 in a bid to get ahead in an increasingly tight market.

The company said it expects profits to remain unchanged for 2008-09 following the Christmas trading update.

TNS Worldpanel reported an increase in Morrisons’ market share to 11.8 per cent in the 12 weeks to February 22, from 11.6 per cent the previous year.

The chain is also expected to increase its expansion plans and online shopping facilities in the coming months.

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