Another Strong Performance For Sainsbury's As It Releases Third Quarter Trading Statement by Benson Agoha

* A Sainsbury's Shopping Floor.

Sainsbury's PLC today released its Third Quarter Trading Statement for the past 14 weeks to January 4 2014.

The result which showed that Sainsburys made good sales but said it faced operated in `a tough market' at a time when people were less inclined to spend in the run up to the festive season.

Unvelling the results Justin King, Sainsbury's CE, said, ”This quarter has been characterised by a very tough sales environment throughout October and November, with customers saving up in order to treat their families over the Christmas period."

The Chief Executive said however that they saw strong sales during the key Christmas period which helped "record numbers of customers to Live Well for Less."

Nevertheless, the High Street Retailer said it achieved a like-for-like sales excluding fuel of 0.2 per cent which, coupled with a strong contribution from new space, led to their best Christmas ever.

* Important highlights of the statement include the following:

* Total sales for the third quarter went up 2.5 per cent (2.7 per cent excluding fuel).

* Like-for-like sales for third quarter flat (0.2 per cent excluding fuel).

* 28 million customer transactions in the seven day run up to Christmas.

*Strong sales growth in Taste the Difference over the Christmas period.

* Sainsbury's busiest ever trading week was the seven days prior to Christmas during which they recorded more than 28 million transactions.

* Monday 23rd December was their busiest day and biggest trading hour during which customers spending nearly £17 million.

* Sainsbury's Stanway Store in Essex made history being their first ever store to take £1 million in sales in one day.

* Opened of six new supermarkets, four extensions, and 19 convenience stores during the quarter as well as refurbishing five supermarkets and 11 convenience stores in the period.

* On track for 1million sq ft of new space this FY.

And their loyal customers were not left out as they benefited by redeeming over £120 million worth of Nectar points, reducing the cost of their Christmas shoping - an increase of 9% year-on-year.

Mr. King said the quarter has been another one of strong progress towards Sainbury's 20x20 sustainability goals with significant achievements across all five values.

The quarter was also one during which Sainsbury's appreciated the contribution of their staff, who worked very hard to service millions of customers over Christmas by increasing their `colleague discount from 10% to 15%' as a thank you for their hard work and commitment in ensuring items were delivered for customers on time.

* Twitter: @bensonagoha.

* Twitter: @woolwichonline.

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