Waitrose sales down 18.1% as Easter distortion continues
Waitrose saw its sales fall by 18.1% year-on-year in the week ending 18 April as trading figures were distorted by the timing of Easter this year.
Helen Hyde, personnel director at Waitrose, said: “Last week saw our divisional sales, excluding petrol, fall by 18.1% compared with last year. Although it looks dramatic this isn’t a meaningful number as the figures are completely distorted by the fall of Easter.”
The retailer said a busy work of sport, which included the FA cup semi-final and the Bahrain Grand Prix, drove sales of “quick and easy” meals.
Sales of Bighams ready meals soared by 86% and Waitrose classic Traditional British meals saw a 20% uplift. In addition, sales of Waitrose’s food-to-go range rose by 25% while sushi and salad sales increased by 40% and 64% respectively.
As the warm weather continued into the weekend, sales of sun care products surged by 109% and there were also buoyant sales of ice-cream and ice lollies.
Waitrose said the early signs of summer encouraged people to spruce up their homes. Sales of outdoor accessories jumped by 83% and garden furniture sales were up 10%.
