Sainsbury’s sales decline in first quarter
Sainsbury’s has posted a 1.6% decline in like-for-like sales in its first quarter.
Grocery sales edged down 0.5% although the retailer said its food performance improved in the period relative to the market.
Meanwhile, general merchandise and clothing sales dropped by 3.1% and 4.5% respectively. Sales in the categories were affected by poor weather conditions and what Sainsbury’s described as a tough market.
However, the supermarket’s convenience and online channels both grew in the quarter with respective uplifts of 1.5% and 5.1%.
Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s chief executive, said: “We continue to adapt our business to changing shopping habits and made good progress in a challenging market.
“We will invest in 400 supermarkets this year, including adding an enhanced beauty offer in 100 stores. We are accelerating investment in technology: 148 supermarkets now have SmartShop self-scan, 206 Argos stores offer Pay@Browse and we upgraded 29 more Argos stores to digital formats, all helping to make shopping with us quicker and easier.
“In May, we celebrated Sainsbury’s 150th birthday. Our focus on giving customers high quality products at good value remains as true today as it was 150 years ago.”
