Morrisons today reported a slowdown in sales growth with the retailer still reeling from the news that its Dutch boss, Marc Bolland, is to leave for Marks & Spencer.
The supermarket reported that like-for-like sales in the 13 weeks to November 1 rose by 4.3 per cent, with total sales up by 9.1 per cent.
Morrisons said the slower third-quarter sales growth was due to a rapid decline in food price inflation and that it was still winning customers.
The grocer said commodity prices continued to ease through the quarter, resulting in lower retail price inflation and market growth. Morrisons said, excluding food inflation, that its slowdown was consistent with the second quarter.
Morrisons saw a record 10.8 million customers on average come through its doors each week during the period, up by over 1.6m since it launched its Food Specialist for Everyone strategy two years ago.
Finance director Richard Pennycook said of Bolland: "He's been a great member of the team and we're sorry to see him go.”
And Bolland said he was “committed” to working hard for Morrisons until his last day, at some point in the New Year.
Bolland, who was tactfully absent from a conference call this morning, said in a trading statement: “Morrisons continues to grow ahead of the market driven by our award-winning combination of outstanding quality, fresh food and great value. I am pleased that more and more customers are attracted to Morrisons, as we continue our journey from national to nationwide.”
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