In the 13 weeks to 3 May, total sales (ex VAT) excluding fuel were up by 9.2% (5.7% including fuel).
Like for like sales (ex VAT) increased by 8.2% (5.0% including fuel), building further on the 8.2% growth (11.2% including fuel) achieved in the full year ended 1 February 2009.
Customer numbers increased once again, with growth well ahead of the market.
During the period, Morrisons showed the strength of its innovation and product development across its food ranges. At the Grocer Own Label Excellence Awards (an annual scheme to recognise innovation and quality in own-label product development), Morrisons won an unprecedented total of nine of the 28 awards, much more than any other retailer.
Morrisons continued to invest in value with a further 8,000 price cuts and over 5,000 price promotions featuring as part of its popular ‘Price Crunch’ campaign. The ‘Value’ range was further extended and market share gains from premium food retailers saw ‘The Best’ range achieve good sales performance.
Commenting on first-quarter trading, Marc Bolland, chief executive, said: “Morrisons continues to grow strongly. Our broadening customer appeal saw us welcome half a million more new customers each week to our stores during the first quarter. This is a particularly good result, which is on top of the similar level of growth we reported in last year’s Q1 update. With shoppers increasingly attracted by our outstanding fresh food and our great value, we’re taking the next step from national to nationwide.”
Source: Morrisons
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