Waitrose sales rise 3.3% last week
Waitrose saw sales for the week to 17 December rise 3.3% on the same week last year as customers began stocking up on items for the big Christmas Day meal.
Sales of roasting beef increased by 8.7%, and gammons by 34%. Turkey sales rose 4.6%, with premium turkey ranges selling particularly well. Party food was up by 14% and sales of beer, wines and spirits up 10%. Wine had its busiest ever week for 2011, up 5.5% with sales of champagne up 48%.
The grocer said its branches had a very busy Saturday, which significantly contributed to sales increases in many areas of the business. Homeware had its biggest week in sales, up 13.1%. Sales of boxed cards also peaked in the week, although this came a little later than in previous years. Luxury toiletries had record sales, increasing by 21%, partly driven by Christmas gift lines.
Tony Solomons, retail director at Waitrose, highlighted the popularity of celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal’s Christmas pudding saying: “Heston’s hugely popular Christmas puddings have proved a massive success for the second year running.”
He added: “Some customers may still be able to get their hands on one if they’re very lucky but the vast majority have sold out again. Heston’s Black Forest Buche is proving just as mouthwatering, with sales continuing strongly, along with the Popping Candy Tart, and many of Delia’s festive treats, including the Cake packs.”
