Sainsbury’s summer sales heat up as shoppers splash out on rosé and lollies
Sainsbury’s is riding a wave of warm weather spending as summer products fuel a strong uplift in sales.
Sainsbury’s is riding a wave of warm weather spending as summer products fuel a strong uplift in sales.
The UK’s second-largest supermarket saw sales jump 4.7% in the 12 weeks to 18 May, according to the latest Kantar figures, outpacing the wider grocery market as shoppers stocked up on seasonal staples.
The Times reports that Ice cream, bags of ice, barbecue meat and rosé wine flew off shelves during the heatwave, with internal data showing single-serve lollies alone rose 90% week-on-week between 8 and 14 June.
The trend has offered a rare lift for Sainsbury’s non-food division Argos, which saw searches for “fan” surge 245% in the week commencing 9 June. BBQ gear and ice cream makers also proved popular.
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Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts said the grocer’s position was “as strong as it’s ever been” as it leans further into its “food first” strategy — scaling back general merchandise and focusing investment on its core grocery offer.
Despite fierce competition in the grocery sector and a looming “price war,” Roberts has maintained confidence in the business, which is forecasting around £1bn in underlying retail operating profit this year.
The group has pledged £650m in cost savings over the next two years, following £350m saved last year through head office job cuts and the closure of fresh food counters.
Sainsbury’s currently holds a 15.1% share of the UK grocery market.
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