Waitrose has seen a total sales growth of 11 per cent to £1.8 billion over the half-year period to July 29, according to interim results unveiled today.
The supermarket chain, part of the John Lewis partnership, also revealed that like-for-like sales increased by 5.3 per cent.
Sir Stuart Hampson, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “The strong performance that began in the final quarter of 2005, has been sustained in the first half of 2006 with today’s excellent set of results in difficult trading conditions.
“We have achieved it by offering our customers well differentiated, innovative and contemporary products and services and through our partners’ commitment to delivering great service, quality and value.”
But losses at internet delivery firm Ocado have increased despite a John Lewis investment of £68m.
Hampson added: “It has been a slower road than we thought, but we believe it will work.”
The John Lewis partnership has also unveiled pans to spend £50 million on building a department store and Waitrose supermarket on the Olympic development site in Stratford.
The stores will open in 2010 ahead of the 2012 Games.
