Ocado sales reach “highest-ever level” in run-up to Christmas
Online grocer Ocado has increased its fourth-quarter retail revenue by 10.9% to £609.4 million to mark its fourth consecutive period of quarter-on-quarter growth.
In the 13 weeks to 26 November, volumes were up 4.8% year-on-year while average orders per week rose by 6.3% to 407,000. The number of active customers was also up, increasing by 5.9% to 998,000.
The retailer said it delivered another record Christmas and hit its highest-ever level of sales over the peak festive trading period. Sales between 20 and 24 December rose by 7%. With demand being high, Ocado sold over 90% of its peak Christmas delivery slots by mid-October.
Hannah Gibson, Ocado Retail’s chief executive, said: “We have focused first and foremost on being a great shopkeeper, improving our unbeatable range, great value and unrivalled experience – all underpinned by improved cost efficiencies.
“Our Perfect Execution programme set a high bar for our performance, and we are pleased to have finished the year with strong momentum.”
Ocado has also announced a deal in which its Ocado Intelligent Automation will provide automated fulfilment technology at a distribution site for McKesson, the largest pharmaceutical distributor in Canada.
Tim Steiner, chief executive of Ocado Group, said: “Today represents a new and exciting milestone as we bring the amazing benefits of Ocado’s technology to the healthcare distribution and logistics sector.
“lt has been proven over 20 years in one of the most complex supply chain environments, online grocery, and we’re now bringing our experience and IP to more sectors. We are very pleased to be expanding in Canada.”
