SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons yesterday revealed like-for-like sales rose 8.2 per cent over Christmas.
The group reported record levels of trade across the 382 stores in its estate, helped by its focus on fresh food and promotional offers.
The latest industry data recently showed Morrisons notched up its highest market share in the 12 weeks to December 28, with TNS Worldpanel reporting a figure of 11.9 per cent – adding to the pressure on market leader Tesco.
Sainsbury’s posted a like-for-like sales rise of 4.5 per cent over the Christmas period, while Tesco managed a 2.5 per cent improvement.
Today’s sales figure, which excludes fuel, was slightly higher than market expectations of eight per cent.
The company said its expectations for 2008-9 profits remained unchanged following the Christmas trading update.
It added: “We remain cautious on the outlook for consumer spending and we expect the market to remain challenging.
“In this environment we believe Morrisons’ value credentials will serve us and our customers well.”
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