Waitrose sales up 5.2% last week
Waitrose increased its sales by 5.2% year-on-year last week as customers started making preparations for Christmas.
Sales of ingredients for Christmas baking achieved double-digit growth with sales of currants, cherries, and sultanas and raisins rising by 28%, 58% and 14% respectively. Other products seeing strong increases included almonds, dark brown sugar and suet.
Shoppers also turned to ready made cakes as Christmas cakes sales surged by 145%. Christmas puddings and stollen were also popular with sales rising by 45% and by 65% respectively.
Customers were getting in the Christmas mood in other ways too, such as buying cards, crackers and wrapping paper which saw sales rise 17%. Sales of festive wreaths and garlands jumped by 71%, while decorations, including Christmas lights, were up 63%.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Rupert Thomas, marketing director at Waitrose, said: “Advent is just around the corner, Christmas is in the air and customers are embracing the festive spirit with divisional sales at Waitrose, excluding fuel, up 5.2% last week.
“The colder weather’s been evident in our sales. Compared to last year, tea is up 9%, as customers turn to a warming brew. Hearty meals are clearly on the table, with sales of slow cooked meats and pies both up 50%, while sausages and beef have each had a 9% boost.”
