Sainsbury’s Performs Well in Q1, Announces Expansion

Like-for-like sales for first quarter was up 2.5 per cent (7.0 per cent excluding fuel). The retailer reported continued growth in customer numbers – now over 18.5 million transactions each week.

17/06/09 UK retailer Sainsbury’s has said that total sales for the first quarter were up 3.2 per cent (7.6 per cent excluding fuel). Like-for-like sales for first quarter was up 2.5 per cent (7.0 per cent excluding fuel). The retailer reported continued growth in customer numbers – now over 18.5 million transactions each week.

Justin King, chief executive, said: "I'm delighted to report another strong quarter of sales growth as we continue to provide universal customer appeal and build on the strength of the Sainsbury's brand. Like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, were up 7.0 per cent and adjusting for the negative impact of the change in the rate of VAT, like-for-like sales growth in the quarter, excluding fuel, was 7.8 per cent.

"Providing both quality and value has been central to our brand throughout our 140 year history and remains at the heart of our business. Customers know that saving money at Sainsbury's does not mean compromising on quality or values. Customer numbers have increased to over 18.5 million a week and basket size has grown as further investment in price and product ranges helps customers get the best value from their weekly grocery shop.

"Product availability and customer service metrics reached new record levels and customers continue to recognise the competitiveness of our offer. At the beginning of June we made a further significant investment in price and have now lowered 7,000 prices since January 2009. Consumers are spending more cautiously but continue to look to trusted brands to act responsibly on ethical and environmental concerns on their behalf. Sainsbury's continuous innovation gives us a leading position on such issues. In May we celebrated the first anniversary of using responsibly sourced palm oil in our 'basics' fish fingers and sales of this product have doubled over the past year. As a reflection of universal customer appeal, sales of our 'basics' range continues to grow strongly at over 50 per cent year-on-year and our RSPCA Freedom Food ranges have quadrupled compared to quarter one last year.

"During the quarter we created an additional 1,000 new jobs. We extended two supermarkets and opened five new stores. Today we have opened a 50,000 sq ft store in Gloucester Quays which is our latest 'green' supermarket. We have accelerated the growth of our convenience estate, as planned, opening seven new stores in the quarter, including three acquired from the Co-operative group as announced in March. We have also announced that we have agreed the acquisition of a further six supermarkets and three convenience stores from the Co-operative Group.

"In a separate statement issued, we have announced our intention to raise approximately £445 million via a placing of new ordinary shares and an issue of convertible bonds. These funds will provide us with the financial flexibility to significantly grow our business further and faster, as we are now planning to grow space by 15 per cent, equivalent to circa 2.5 million sq ft, by March 2011. Growing space to extend our store network and to provide an even better food offer and additional space for non-food ranges is a core part of our 'Recovery to Growth' strategy. Our continuing success from our new store openings and store extensions has underpinned our confidence in our ability to develop new space. In the current environment there are an increasing number of opportunities within the property market.

"We have had a strong start to the new financial year. While we expect the economic environment to remain challenging during 2009, our wide customer base and focus on great products at fair prices means we are well positioned to continue our progress."