Morrisons sees growth in sales for third straight year
Morrisons has completed three years of positive like-for-like sales after seeing “strong growth” in Q3.
For the 13 weeks to 4 November, the Bradford-based supermarket saw group like-for-like sales excluding fuel rise to 5.6%, comprising contributions from retail of 1.3% and wholesale of 4.3%. Group like-for-like sales including fuel was up 6%.
Morrisons also revealed that retail like-for-like sales growth eased slightly quarter on quarter without the impact of the Summer weather and World Cup, which benefitted Q2.
Total sales were up 6% excluding fuel (6.4% including fuel).
Morrisons now has almost 1,000 year-round ‘Best’ products, and over 250 exclusively for Christmas. Its ‘Naturally Wonky’ range continues to trade strongly across 30 seasonal Fruit & Veg items.
In addition, the supermarket chain is expanding its offer for vegan shoppers with a new range launching next week, and now have vegan logos on over 300 products. ‘Little Kitchen’, its new children’s brand, also launches next week.
During this period, the supermarket also launched the Morrisons More app, allowing customers to collect and redeem Morrisons loyalty points digitally.
Morrisons started to fulfil Morrisons.com home deliveries from a second customer fulfilment centre (CFC) at Erith, and launched its store-pick online service from a further six stores taking the total to 20.
Other new developments comprise the opening of a third new store this year in Acocks Green, Birmingham. The Fresh Look programme for the 2018/19 year is virtually complete, with a further 60 stores now improved in time for Christmas.
Morrisons is also set to begin wholesale supply to its new partner MPK Garages which, together with Rontec, Sandpiper, McColl’s, and Morrisons’ own petrol forecourt shops, means it will soon supply over 1,700 convenience stores with both branded and own-brand products.
David Potts, Chief Executive, said: “After another period of strong growth, and with more customers enjoying shopping at Morrisons, we have now completed three years of positive like for like.
“Our exceptional team of food makers and shopkeepers are providing good quality food at great prices, and building a broader offer in store, online and for our wholesale customers.”
