Asda returns to sales growth
Supermarket chain Asda has reported its first like-for-like sales increase in three years as it works to turn around the Walmart owned business.
In the three months to the end of June, like-for-like sales rose by 1.8% when petrol was excluded.
Walmart President and chief executive Doug McMillon said: Customers are responding to investments in price and store experience by visiting the stores more often and increasing their basket sizes.
“There’s still much more to be done, but we’re clearly headed in the right direction. While there, I visited stores as well as our Heston grocery-delivery fulfilment center. I was impressed by how the team is focused on not only improving grocery pick-up and delivery from stores, but also from fulfillment centers in higher-volume environments.”
The retailer enjoyed one of its most successful Easter trading periods on record in 2017, with sales up 16%. Removing the Easter impact from the quarter gave Asda a 0.7% comparable performance versus the same period last year.
Asda president and chief executive Sean Clarke said: “Our continued focus on delivering great value and service meant 275,000 new customers chose to shop at Asda in Q2, particularly during Easter, which saw us return to positive comp growth.
“Recognition should go to our store colleagues for the progress made from 2016 but we know we need to continue to up our game to be in the best shape possible.”
