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Asda reports higher sales as shoppers stock up on Christmas goods

Asda’s like-for-like sales rose in the third quarter
PA
Joanna Hodgson
17 November 2020

Comparable sales at Asda, which is being sold by US giant Walmart in a £6.8 billion deal, rose 2.7% in the third quarter.

The retailer said the growth figure, which excludes fuel sales, came after strong performances in its back to school clothing ranges and core grocery divisions. It also pointed to more demand for online shopping.

The supermarket chain said it is already seeing a surge in demand for Christmas products as customers start their festive preparations earlier than in previous years.  

Sales of Christmas trees have increased by 83% year-on-year, and there has been higher sales of mince pies and Christmas puddings.  

Asda added that customers look to be preparing to celebrate Christmas differently this year with smaller gatherings due to lockdown restrictions. Sales of frozen turkey crowns, which typically serve 3-4 people, have increased by 230% year-on-year.  

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Roger Burnley, chief executive of Asda, said: “After a rollercoaster year it’s clear our customers are already planning for a very different Christmas. We have already seen a marked shift in buying patterns with customers stocking up their freezers and cupboards with festive essentials earlier than ever before, which suggests they are getting used to expecting the unexpected but preparing to enjoy themselves as much as possible. Whatever happens during the next few weeks, we are totally focused on delivering a great Christmas for our customers during these uncertain times.”    

Asda is set to be sold to  the Issa brothers, founders and co-chief executives of EG Group, a forecourts retailer, and investment funds managed by private equity giant TDR Capital. That remains on track to complete in the first half of 2021, subject to regulatory approval, Asda said today.

Supermarkets have been allowed to keep trading through the latest lockdown, but non-essential retailers are not due to reopen until next month.

 

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