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Sainsbury’s has reported a “strong Christmas performance”, with like-for-like sales up 9.3% during the holiday period.
In a trading statement, the big four grocer revealed that it now expects pre-tax profits to hit at least £330m in the financial year to March 2021.
According to the brand, total sales for the third quarter of the year were up 7.4% and online grocery shopping was up 128%. It was also reported that general merchandise sales grew by 6% and Clothing rose by 0.4%.
Sainsbury’s said that sales on these items were stronger than its “expectations throughout the quarter” and particularly since the start of England’s second national lockdown and subsequent increased restrictions throughout the UK.
Simon Roberts, chief executive of J Sainsbury plc, said: “As we enter our third phase of tighter restrictions and national lockdowns, my number one priority remains keeping our colleagues and customers safe. The last few months have been really tough for many people and we are all dealing with a lot of change and uncertainty again.
“Given these challenging circumstances, we really focused on doing the best possible job for our customers this Christmas. I would like to say a huge thank you to every one of my colleagues, including the 68,000 colleagues we have recruited into Sainsbury’s and Argos since March, for the outstanding service you gave our customers.”
