Waitrose sales up 26% last week
Waitrose said its total sales in the week to 28 December were over 26% higher than the same week last year. However, the supermarket attributed a large part of the increase to the distorting effect of the fall of Christmas this year.
Commenting on the week’s trading, Waitrose commercial director Mark Williamson said: “Despite the wind and rain in many parts of the country, we saw momentum build in the run-up to the festive holiday, with Christmas Eve and the 23rd in particular proving exceptionally busy. Months of preparation by Partners ensured that this increase in trade during difficult circumstances was handled exceptionally well.”
The supermarket said that many of its customers looked for convenience when buying turkey which led to sales of ready stuffed joints rising by 36%. Sales of seafood were also strong with lobster sales up 106%. Other popular items included continental festive bakes such as stollen and panettone.
Sales of party foods increased by 17%, boosted by a 63% surge in sales of sparkling wines and champagnes with Prosecco being the star performer.
