15/01/2002

Tesco fail to match Sainsbury over Christmas period

Figures from Tesco have revealed that its Christmas sales growth failed to match that of archrival J. Sainsbury.

Excluding takings from petrol stations, Tesco reported a 6.2 per cent rise in UK Christmas sales for the seven weeks ending on January 5 - compared to that of Sainsbury’s who had a rise of 6.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, Britain's fourth-biggest food retailer, Safeway also disappointed on Tuesday, with Christmas sales growth rising 4.1 per cent during a 12 week period over the festive period, raising concerns that it may be falling behind in the UK supermarket sector.

However mainland supermarket chain Somerfield, which ranks just below Safeway, was faring better, successfully managed to pull itself out of the red.

The group reported profits of £5.6m in the six months to 10 November, compared to a loss of £9.5m a year earlier. (MB)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 March 2002
E-retail fall fails to dent confidence in growth sector
According to the internet e-retail body, Interactive Media in Retail Group, online sales in January dipped from almost £520 million to £415 million in January.
17 January 2002
Retail sales down for first time in 20 months
Despite the current high street spending spree, UK retail sales during December were down for the first month since April 2000. Releasing the figures, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that the decrease – of 0.3 per cent – occurred because the previous month’s sales volumes had been extremely strong.
25 January 2002
Sony report highest earnings in company’s history
Sony have reported the highest earnings increase in the company’s history, with sales activity over the Christmas period exceeding analysts’ predictions. The Japanese firm posted operating profits of £824 million for the fourth quarter, representing a 10 per cent increase on the previous quarter and well above the company’s own target amount.
22 May 2009
Irish Shoppers Boost Banbridge Outlet Sales
An influx of shoppers from the Irish Republic have helped a Co Down shopping centre boost its sales by more than 20%. The Outlet at Banbridge reported year-on-year sales growth of 21.5%, while average spend was up 13.5%.
12 April 2002
Sainsbury’s still behind Tesco’s after strong quarter
Despite a strong showing over the Easter holidays, Sainsbury's have been unable to overtake Tesco's as the UK's biggest supermarket group. Like-for-like sales rose 6.8% to March 30, and excluding petrol and excluding Easter like-for-like sales gained 6% overall, which is 0.2% down on rival Tesco's.