Upmarket grocer Waitrose has seen total sales rise seven per cent in its first half compared to the same period a year ago, it has been announced today.
While the week ending July 28th 2012 saw sales jump 13.6 per cent as celebrations began across the country as London 2012 got under way, convenience grew a massive 80.3 per cent in the week.
From a first-half perspective, convenience sales jumped 86.2 per cent, reflecting store development activity as the grocer maintains it focus on growing its store portfolio.
Outperforming competitors Marks and Spencer, Waitrose has a market share of around four per cent and continues to reveal record-breaking weekly results as customers rush to make summer food purchases.
Last week, ice cream sales had their biggest week ever as sales increased by 55 per cent on the same week last year while sales of Waitrose rocket lollies leapt 127 per cent.
As Britons sought to make the most of the heatwave, barbecue meat sales were up 78 per cent last year, while salads and quiche saw a 48 per cent and 41 per cent increase respectively.
Waitrose‘s ‘Food to Go‘ range, which offers fast meals for shoppers on their way to events, saw a 26 per cent boost, driven by its popularity at Westfield Stratford as Olympic ticket holders flocked to the site and doubled sales of sandwiches and snacks over the weekend.
However, these sales may be impacted by the closure of the centre this weekend as the East London unit closes its doors to all non-Olympic attendees.
Nonetheless, Waitrose‘s Personnel Director Helen Hyde remains positive about the supermarket chain‘s position.
“With all eyes on London at the moment, Waitrose has seen its international business build to its biggest ever trading period, with sales 35 per cent higher than this time last year,” she said.
“Wishing all Britain‘s athletes the very best of luck!”
