Grocery retailer Sainsbury's has reported its eight consecutive quarter of life-for-like sales growth.
Announcing its third quarter trading statement, the group revealed a sales increase of 5.8 per cent, with like-for-like sales up 4.2 per cent. The Christmas period helped to ensure the retailer's continued sales growth with 20 million customers shopping at Sainsbury's stores in the Christmas week.
Its own premium label, Taste the Difference, also showed strong sales growth during the Christmas period with an increase of 20 per cent. Throughout the period, the retailer opened eight new supermarkets and its non-food range was introduced to another 12 supermarkets.
It has also announced that it will be opening a new distribution centre in Northampton in summer 2007 to accommodate the growth of the retail chain.
"Traditionally the next few months are particularly price competitive as customers tighten their belts, and we expect this year to be no different," said chief executive Justin King.
"We are continuing with our plans to ensure we remain competitive. We are investing £70 million in the customer offer, reducing prices on another 1,000 products and strengthening our promotions with 200 half price offers.
"We are pleased with our progress over Christmas and the results achieved give us good momentum to deliver sales growth as we enter the fourth quarter."
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