Menu
12/01/2006
Sainsbury's reports strong Christmas trading
Supermarket group Sainsbury's has reported stronger sales over the Christmas period in its latest trading figures published today.
The group, Britain's third largest supermarket chain, reported a 5.2% rise in like-for-like sales in the 12 weeks up to the end of December - the fourth quarter of consecutive like-for-like sales growth for the firm.
Sainsbury's said that it had served more than 19 million customers during Christmas week - the most the company had ever served in a single week.
Chief Executive Justin King said: "We prepared for Christmas well, developed outstanding seasonal products, strengthened promotional activity and worked hard to deliver great availability. This was particularly important in fresh product categories, a key area for our regular customers and essential at Christmas.
"Like-for-like sales growth of 5.2% reflects the progress made in this first year of our recovery plans. The customer experience is much improved, but we still need to achieve this at a more acceptable cost."
Sainsbury's is almost half way through a three-year recovery plan, launched by Mr King in October 2004. Mr King said that the firm had been boosted by an improvement in availability and service in the supply chain, which had also been reflected in the company's online home delivery service.
He confirmed that the firm was continuing to reorganise their depot network, with the closure of the Rotherham depot within the next few days. Mr King said that the distribution centre in Northfleet may also no longer be required, due to the firm contracting out its network to Exel in the southeast, and it may close in April.
Mr King also said that the company's £10 million rebranding, launched last year with the slogan 'Try Something New Today' and a new advertising campaign with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, had "clearly struck a chord" with customers.
Mr King added: "We expect the market to remain highly competitive during quarter four, when we will also be up against tougher comparative figures with the annualisation of sales growth under our recovery plan.
"Investment in the customer offer remains at the heart of all our activities and as previously stated, it is anticipated that the benefits of operational gearing in the business will begin to be delivered in the second half of 2006/07."
(KMcA)
The group, Britain's third largest supermarket chain, reported a 5.2% rise in like-for-like sales in the 12 weeks up to the end of December - the fourth quarter of consecutive like-for-like sales growth for the firm.
Sainsbury's said that it had served more than 19 million customers during Christmas week - the most the company had ever served in a single week.
Chief Executive Justin King said: "We prepared for Christmas well, developed outstanding seasonal products, strengthened promotional activity and worked hard to deliver great availability. This was particularly important in fresh product categories, a key area for our regular customers and essential at Christmas.
"Like-for-like sales growth of 5.2% reflects the progress made in this first year of our recovery plans. The customer experience is much improved, but we still need to achieve this at a more acceptable cost."
Sainsbury's is almost half way through a three-year recovery plan, launched by Mr King in October 2004. Mr King said that the firm had been boosted by an improvement in availability and service in the supply chain, which had also been reflected in the company's online home delivery service.
He confirmed that the firm was continuing to reorganise their depot network, with the closure of the Rotherham depot within the next few days. Mr King said that the distribution centre in Northfleet may also no longer be required, due to the firm contracting out its network to Exel in the southeast, and it may close in April.
Mr King also said that the company's £10 million rebranding, launched last year with the slogan 'Try Something New Today' and a new advertising campaign with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, had "clearly struck a chord" with customers.
Mr King added: "We expect the market to remain highly competitive during quarter four, when we will also be up against tougher comparative figures with the annualisation of sales growth under our recovery plan.
"Investment in the customer offer remains at the heart of all our activities and as previously stated, it is anticipated that the benefits of operational gearing in the business will begin to be delivered in the second half of 2006/07."
(KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 January 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.
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.
29 May 2002
Sainsbury's reveal a change in profit fortunes
UK supermarket group, Sainsbury's has said its recovery plan is working after revealing a change in its fortunes following two years of falling profits. In the 12 months to March, pre-tax profits, before one-off items were up 14% at £627 million.
Sainsbury's reveal a change in profit fortunes
UK supermarket group, Sainsbury's has said its recovery plan is working after revealing a change in its fortunes following two years of falling profits. In the 12 months to March, pre-tax profits, before one-off items were up 14% at £627 million.
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.
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.
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.
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.
14 April 2011
Sub Contractors Urged To 'Think Big'
Belfast City Council has launched a new programme targeting building sub-contractors who have shied away from pursuing opportunities with major contractors on large-scale construction schemes and other regeneration projects.
Sub Contractors Urged To 'Think Big'
Belfast City Council has launched a new programme targeting building sub-contractors who have shied away from pursuing opportunities with major contractors on large-scale construction schemes and other regeneration projects.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
