UK supermarket group Safeway today [Wednesday] reported like-for-like Q4 sales up 4.1% – a creditable effort but no match for larger rivals Sainsbury’s and Tesco.


Safeway group like-for-like sales for the year ended 30 March showed a 4.9% improvement, compared with 5.2% in the previous year. A spokesman said the slowdown in the second half was due to disruption at a number of outlets undergoing conversion to hypermarkets.


“This is a satisfactory performance given the scale of change in stores undergoing reformatting,” Safeway said in a brief trading statement.


Nevertheless, at 0730 GMT today, Safeway shares were trading 2.6% lower at 297 pence (US$4.29), which values the group at£3.1bn.


Sainsbury’s recently reported Q4 like-for-like sales up 6.8% (see here for more details), while Tesco posted its best fourth quarter in five years (see here for more details.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Safeway said fourth quarter sales rose 4.5%, of which 0.6% was attributed to Easter sales. This was in line with analysts’ expectations of 4-5% excluding petrol sales.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now