J Sainsbury has reported combined Sainsbury’s and Argos like-for-like sales rose by up 0.3 per cent (excl. fuel) in the fourth quarter.
Total Retail sales up rose by 0.1% (excl. fuel) and like-for-like Retail sales fell by 0.5% (excl. fuel).
Groceries Online grew by seven per cent, with orders up 8%. Convenience business delivered good growth, with total sales growth of nearly 7%, and ten new stores were opened in the quarter.
The grocery group extended its successful pre-prepared vegetable range with new products including butternut squash waffles and sweet potato tagliatelle. It has also launched three varieties of white and seeded gluten-free bread in 186 of its in store bakeries.
Sainsbury’s has invested in a new Bakery College in Bromley-by-Bow to help train and develop its in-store bakers
Mike Coupe, Group Chief Executive, (pictured) said, “We are pleased with this performance and are making good progress against our key priorities. Customers appreciate the quality, choice and value of our differentiated food offer and our Tu clothing brand again performed ahead of the market, with sales up five per cent.
“Online participation is growing, driven by mobile and Fast Track delivery and customers are responding well to new ranges.
“The market remains very competitive and the impact of cost price pressures remains uncertain. However, we are well placed to navigate the external environment and remain focused on delivering our strategy.”