Food sales have continued to fall at Sainsbury’s and the supermarket chain this morning (Thursday) warned that there are still challenging times ahead.
In the 12 weeks to January 1, like-for-like sales excluding petrol fell 1.2 per cent on the same period a year ago, which follows a 1.1 per cent decline in the previous quarter.
In the run-up to Christmas, sales were down by 0.4 per cent, representing a small comeback. But the figures compare poorly with overall food retail figures released by TNS Superpanel, which reveal a record quarter for the sector.
Sainsbury’s believes it has made some progress towards its initial goals of improving product availability and customer service across its UK network of stores.
While disappointed, chief executive Justin King said he had been expecting the results. "After a difficult November, there was an improving trend over the Christmas and New Year period," he said.
"This sales performance was in line with our plans and was a good first step in delivering our sales led recovery."
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