Member Article

Tesco sales get festive boost

Supermarket giant Tesco announced a 1.8% growth in like-for-like sales over the festive trading period, in line with the company’s predictions.

During the six weeks up to 5th January, sales across the Group rose by 3.8%, including petrol sales, while UK sales alone were up 4.2%.

Internationally, sales increased by 3.4%, while significant improvements were made in the Asian market in particular, with 7.6% rises.

In Europe, however, the store was disappointed by a 0.6% decline in sales, while in the U.S. sales for Tesco’s Fresh & Easystore increased by 4.1%, despite reports that the new venture had not delivered the expected returns to shareholders.

Philip Clarke, Tesco’s chief executive, commented: “The Group performed broadly in-line with our expectations through the Christmas period, with an improved performance in the UK and maintained trends elsewhere as we continue to experience tough trading conditions - particularly in Central Europe.

“This performance was driven by a further improvement in our food business in-store and a strong contribution from online, which included our biggest ever week for internet sales.”

Tesco said its “Click and Collect” service had proven a great success over Christmas, and Tesco Direct, the firm’s online business, had also improved.

Mr Clarke added: “We are just nine months into the implementation of our six-part plan, which is about Building a Better Tesco in the UK for the long-term.

“Whilst our seasonal performance is encouraging, there is a lot more to do and the team is focused on delivering further improvements for customers in 2013.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .