Morrisons continues strong sales in Q3

The Bradford-based firm reported  group like-for-like (LFL) sales excluding fuel were up 2.5%, comprising contributions from retail of 2.1% and wholesale of 0.4%. Group LFL including fuel was up 3.4%. Total sales, excluding fuel, were up 2.3% – up 3.2% including fuel.

LFL volume was again positive, and LFL transactions were up 2.1% as more customers continued to buy more from Morrisons. The firm said it worked hard during the quarter to limit the impact of lower sterling on imported food prices, and made good progress on becoming more competitive.

David Potts, chief executive, said: “We are pleased with a further step up in our competitiveness and another period of positive like for like sales growth. I am confident our plans to keep serving customers better will enable us to continue the strong momentum of the year so far, into the important fourth quarter.

“As we work towards becoming a broader, stronger business, a new Morrisons is taking shape, built by our colleagues on firm balance sheet foundations.”

Morrisons said the ‘Price Crunch’ scheme is popular with customers, and their new ‘Way Down’ campaign is holding prices lower for longer, delivering value for money.

The firm said that their new automated ordering system is now fully operational in all stores across all food categories, and it expects it to continue to improve availability and save time in the important period ahead.

During the period, Morrisons  further developed their offer for customers. Several new ranges were introduced including  a new home & leisure range.