Sainsbury’s has published its trading statement for the 15 weeks to 6 January 2017, revealing a record Christmas week, with total retail sales up 1.2 per cent.

Over the period, the retailer received more than 340,000 online grocery orders, up 8.2 per cent year-on-year – accounting for 20 per cent of total sales during the quarter. Same day grocery deliveries are now available from 93 Sainsbury’s stores, covering 38 per cent of UK households.

Mike Coup, group chief executive officer, said: “We’re pleased with our performance across the Group this quarter. We had a strong Christmas week, with record sales, over 340,000 online grocery orders and stellar growth in Argos Fast Track delivery and collection.

“We delivered an excellent operational performance across the Group, with great availability, strong customer satisfaction scores and our lowest level of waste ever at Christmas. Friday 22nd was our biggest sales day for stores and we also delivered an online grocery order to customers every second. Customers bought more Taste the Difference food than last year as people treated themselves and our popular 25p veg lines helped our customers live well for less.

“General Merchandise and Clothing grew market share in a challenging market. Argos stores in Sainsbury’s supermarkets performed particularly well and Argos saw record sales across the Black Friday period.”

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