Sales up 1.7% and 0.8% respectively for 16 weeks to June 30.
Sainsbury’s has this morning posted its first quarter trading statement for the 16 weeks to June 30 – with general merchandise and clothing both seeing slight sales growth.
General merchandise sales grew by 1.7%, while clothing rose 0.8%, both outperforming the market and continuing to gain share for Sainsbury’s.
Mike Coupe, group chief executive, commented: “General Merchandise and Clothing, including Argos, continue to outperform a very challenging market and we are well placed to further grow market share.
“Argos stores in Sainsbury’s supermarkets continue to grow, Fast Track sales were strong and we have now launched Tu clothing on the Argos website, a key strategic milestone.”
Argos online sales – including mobile sales – grew 12%, while Fast Track collection was up 21% and Fast Track delivery up 20%.
37 Argos stores were opened in Sainsbury’s supermarkets during the period, bringing the total to 228. Argos stores in Sainsbury’s supermarkets have grown sales by an average of 15 per cent in their second year of trading.
Overall, total retail sales for the group edged up 0.8%, with like for like sales up 0.2%.
Mike continued: “The market remains competitive. However, we have the right strategy in place and our proposal to combine Sainsbury’s and Asda will create a dynamic new player in UK retail, with the scale to give customers more of what they want today and create a more resilient and adaptable business for the future.”
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