Sainsbury(J) PLC SBRY Trading Statement

  Sainsbury(J) PLC (SBRY) - Trading Statement

RNS Number : 2359F
Sainsbury(J) PLC
13 June 2012
 



First Quarter Trading Statement for the 12 weeks to 9 June 2012

Good sales performance in a challenging market

·     Total sales for first quarter up 3.6 per cent (3.8 per cent excluding
fuel)

·     Like-for-like sales for first quarter up 1.4 per cent (1.4 per cent
excluding fuel)

·     Continued strong growth in convenience and online

Justin King, Chief Executive,  said, "We have delivered  good sales growth  in 
the quarter, in line  with our expectations, helping  our customers to  manage 
both their  weekly  budgets, and  to  celebrate special  occasions.  Over  the 
quarter we  maintained our  outperformance of  the market  with 1.4  per  cent 
like-for-like growth.

Customers continued the habit of savvy shopping  to save money in order to  be 
able to treat themselves  on special occasions, shown  by strong sales in  the 
lead up  to  the  Jubilee celebrations.  Just  as  in 2011,  the  quarter  was 
characterised by five bank holidays, a  royal event and periods of  unseasonal 
weather. Consistent performance year-on-year  puts our two year  like-for-like 
sales growth at 3.3 per cent.

Our own label ranges are leading the way in helping customers to Live Well for
Less, with the relaunch of  by Sainsbury's now 75  per cent complete. Over  70 
per cent of these products are completely new or redeveloped.

We are  gaining market  share in  our core  general merchandise  and  clothing 
categories. Non-food continues to grow faster  than food, and the quarter  saw 
the  strongest  ever  sales  week  on  clothing.  In  particular,  the  fourth 
collection of our Gok for TU womenswear looks set to be our most successful to
date.

Our convenience  stores continue  to be  a strong  driver for  growth for  the 
business, achieving  year-on-year sales  growth  of 16  per cent.  Our  online 
business grew by over 20 per cent, with an improved website enabling customers
to order easily from handheld devices while on the move.

We grew space in line  with our plans, adding 63,000  sq ft of gross space  to 
our estate through the opening of 21 convenience stores and one extension.  We 
also refurbished eight stores over the quarter.

Looking forward, we expect the market to remain competitive. Universal appeal,
supported by market leading own label ranges, Brand Match and loyalty insight,
ensures we help our customers to Live Well for Less. We remain well placed  to 
continue to outperform the market."

  

Enquiries:
Investor Relations   Media
Adam Wilson Katsibas Alex Cole / Tara Hicks
+44 (0) 20 7695 7991 +44 (0) 20 7695 7295

                                    Notes

1.    All  sales  figures  contained  in this  trading  statement  are  stated 
including VAT and in accordance with IFRIC 13.

2.    Like-for-like sales include the impact of changes in underlying VAT rate
and extensions as follows:

                                    2011/12 FY Q1
Sales growth including fuel (%)
Total                                  6.8     3.6
Like-for-like                          4.5     1.4
Sales growth excluding fuel (%)
Total                                  4.5     3.8
Like-for-like                          2.1     1.4
Included in like-for-like sales (%)
Net contribution from extensions       1.0     0.8
Impact from change in VAT rate         0.7      -

 

 

 

3.    Store investment programme 2012/13:

 

2012/13        Q1
Supermarkets
New            -
Replacements   -
Extensions     1
Refurbishments 8
Convenience
New            21
Closures       -

 

4.  Certain  statements  made   in  this   announcement  are   forward-looking 
statements. Such  statements are  based on      current expectations  and  are 
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from any expected future events or results referred to in
these forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable law,
regulation or  accounting standard,  we  do not  undertake any  obligation  to 
update or revise any  forward-looking statements, whether as  a result of  new 
information, future developments or otherwise.

5.  Sainsbury's also released today its First Quarter Corporate Responsibility
update.             This              is             available              at 
www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/investor-centre/results-and-presentations/

6.  A conference  call will  take place  at 8:45am.   To listen  to the  audio 
webcast we recommend  that you  register in advance.   To do  so please  visit 
www.j-sainsbury.co.uk  prior   to  the   event   and  follow   the   on-screen 
instructions.   To  view  the  transcript   of  the  conference  call  go   to 
www.j-sainsbury.co.ukand  follow  the  on-screen  instructions  in  the  first 
quarter trading statement section.

7.  Sainsbury's will announce its 2012/13 Second Quarter Results on 3  October 
2012.

   

 

                     This information is provided by RNS
           The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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TSTSFUFWEFESEIM -0- Jun/13/2012 06:00 GMT