Morrisons’ first quarter like-for-like sales edge up 0.7%
Morrisons has reported a second consecutive quarter of like-for-like sales growth with sales excluding fuel edging up 0.7%. This is up from the 0.1% rise seen in the previous quarter.
In the 13 weeks to 1 May, total sales excluding fuel were down 1.8% reflecting the impact of supermarket closures and exit of the M local chain.
The supermarket said like-for-like transactions were up 3.1% in the quarter with like-for-like volume growth strong. Deflation was 2.6% as the supermarket continued to invest in becoming more competitive.
The transaction growth was in part driven by a 17% increase in sales of the Food to Go category following the launch of new and improved products.
Morrisons’ chief executive David Potts said: “We are encouraged by progress across our six priorities. There is still much to do and our colleagues are working very hard to improve the shopping trip and save customers every penny we can.
“Customers are responding and satisfaction levels remain ahead of last year. We are of course pleased with a second consecutive quarter of positive like-for-like sales, which demonstrates our aim to stabilise trade is taking effect.”
