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Asda has reported a solid sales boost in the fourth quarter ended 31 December, with like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, up 5.1% over the Christmas season and 6.9% during the eight week period.
Growth was primarily driven by a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour with customers trading up and spending more on premium categories at Christmas to treat themselves after a difficult year.
Online sales also increased over the period, with both Asda.com and George.com reporting a combined net sales rise of 76%.
Roger Burnley, Asda’s CEO and president, said: “Our focus on keeping prices low, providing great quality products and keeping customers safe when they visit our stores were key to delivering a strong performance across the quarter and particularly during the busy Christmas period.
“The festive season was like no other and I am proud of the way Asda colleagues responded to the exceptional circumstances they faced.”
He added: “It was only right that we recognised their hard work by closing our stores on Boxing Day so the vast majority of them could spend more time with their family during this period.”
