Sainsbury’s has published a trading statement for the three months to 30 June 2018, revealing 0.8 per cent growth in total retail sales, driven by a 7.3 per cent uplift in online sales.

The supermarket chain has continued to invest in digital and online channels, with same-day online delivery now available from 171 stores, covering 57 per cent of UK households. Sainsbury’s also experienced its biggest ever sales week in convenience this quarter.

A total of 37 Argos stores were opened in Sainsbury’s supermarkets during the period, bringing the overall number to 228. In their second year of trading, Argos stores in Sainsbury’s supermarkets have grown sales by an average of 15 per cent.

Mike Coupe, group chief executive of Sainsbury’s, believes that the combination of Sainsbury’s and Asda will create a dynamic new player in UK retail, following a merger agreement between the two businesses. “We have successfully agreed a financing package of £3.5 billion in relation to the proposed combination. The financing has been raised on attractive terms, reflecting the confidence of the lending banks in the outlook for the proposed combined business.”

Coupe concluded: “We have made fundamental changes to the way we run Sainsbury’s stores. We have completed our store management restructure, which will ensure that our shops are run efficiently and in a way that puts customer service at the heart.”

Share Story: