UK: Waitrose H1 sales up 7%
By Chris Mercer | 3 August 2012
- Total sales increase 7%
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Waitrose said last week was its biggest on record for ice cream sales |
Upmarket UK retailer Waitrose has today (3 August) reported a 7% increase in half-year sales.
For the 26 weeks to 28 July, the retailer's overall sales increased by 7% versus the same period of last year. It did not provide data on like-for-like sales, which excludes the impact of new stores.
Convenience store sales and online orders were the main drivers of the sales increase. Convenience channel sales almost doubled over the six months.
Waitrose said its "solid" first half of its financial year was capped off by a 13.6% increase in sales last week.
Record-breaking ice cream sales during a long-awaited UK summer heatwave boosted sales last week.
The retailer said last week was its biggest on record for ice cream sales, which rose by 55% on the same seven days of the previous year.
Top selling ice creams included essential Waitrose rocket lollies, which saw sales increase by 127%. Total sales for the week increased by 13.6%.
High international sales as world watches London
Waitrose sales at 13.6 per cent were significantly higher than last year, boosted by the long-awaited sunshine and a celebratory atmosphere across the country.
With all eyes on London at the moment, Waitrose has seen its international business build to its biggest ever trading period, with sales 35 per cent higher than this time last year.
Waitrose products are sold in more than 30 countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, UAE, Barbados, France, Cyprus, Falkland Islands and India, in addition to there being five Waitrose-managed and five franchised Waitrose shops outside the UK. Current Waitrose top-sellers abroad are those offering a 'taste of Britain' - ranging from tea, biscuits, traditional sweets and preserves, to tins of beans and jars of gherkins.
Domestic Waitrose trade was positively impacted by the hot weather for much of the country, which meant outside gatherings and celebrations over the weekend, and particularly strong sales of anything that can be enjoyed chilled in the garden.
Sparkling wine sales were 75 per cent higher than last year, rosé wine sales +91 per cent, Pimm's +116 per cent, beer +21 per cent and cider +49 per cent. Fizzy pop sales were also 32 per cent higher, and squash sales 33 per cent up on last year.
In a clear indicator of Brits relishing the heatwave, customers bought 43 per cent more pairs of sunglasses than in the same week last year.
Waitrose also had its biggest ever week of ice cream sales, with sales 55 per cent higher, as many finally got the chance to enjoy cooling down with an ice cream in the sun or while watching sport on the TV. Top selling ice creams included essential Waitrose rocket lollies, which saw sales increase by a massive 127 per cent.
Many gathered for barbecues and alfresco celebrations, with barbecue meat sales 78 per cent up on last year, salad sales 48 per cent higher and quiche sales 41 per cent higher.
The Waitrose Food to Go range saw sales grow by 26 per cent as shoppers picked up something to eat on the go or on the way to an event. This effect has been markedly increased in our Stratford branch, which saw sandwiches and snack sales double over the weekend.
Wishing all Britain's athletes the very best of luck!
Original source: John Lewis
Sectors: Financials, Multichannel, Retail
Companies: Waitrose
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