(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors - UK) Sainsbury's (LON:SBRY) said strong online sales and a boost from the Diamond Jubilee bank holidays resulted in a 3.6 percent surge in first quarter sales.
The retailer reported today that like for like sales, which exclude the impact of new store openings, climbed 1.4 percent in the 12 weeks to June 9 compared with the same period last year with total sales improving 3.6 percent.
During the period, Sainsbury's opened 21 convenience stores and one extension, adding a total 63,000 square feet of space.
Sales at convenience stores surged 16 percent, while the online business grew 20 percent.
"We have delivered good sales growth in the quarter, in line with our expectations," said chief executive of Sainsbury's Justin King.
"Customers continued the habit of savvy shopping to save money in order to be able to treat themselves on special occasions, shown by strong sales in the lead up to the Jubilee celebration."
Sainsbury's noted that the non-food segment continues to grow faster than food and said the quarter saw the highest ever weekly clothing sales.
"Looking forward, we expect the market to remain competitive," said King, adding that the group is well placed to outperform the market.
Shares in Sainsbury's traded at 283.8 pence at 9:30am, down 2.5 percent from Tuesday's close.
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