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Sainsbury's reports record Christmas sales of more than £1bn Sainsbury's reports record Christmas sales of more than £1bn
(35 minutes later)
Sainsbury's has reported record Christmas sales of more than £1bn across the group.Sainsbury's has reported record Christmas sales of more than £1bn across the group.
But the supermarket giant said like-for-like sales sales only rose 0.1% in the 15 weeks to 7 January. But the supermarket giant said like-for-like sales only rose 0.1% in the 15 weeks to 7 January.
Argos, which Sainsbury's bought last year, had strong sales over Christmas and Black Friday.Argos, which Sainsbury's bought last year, had strong sales over Christmas and Black Friday.
But chief executive Mike Coupe said the "market remains very competitive and the impact of the devaluation of sterling remains uncertain".But chief executive Mike Coupe said the "market remains very competitive and the impact of the devaluation of sterling remains uncertain".
The pound has been falling against the dollar and the euro since the EU referendum and there have been warnings that this will lead to higher prices this year as import costs rise.The pound has been falling against the dollar and the euro since the EU referendum and there have been warnings that this will lead to higher prices this year as import costs rise.
Sainsbury's Christmas quarter sales beat expectations. Analysts had predicted a fall in like-for-like sales of 0.8%. Beating expectations
Argos reported a rise in third quarter like-for-like sales of 4%. Sainsbury's has been rolling out Argos outlets in its supermarkets.
Mr Coupe said Argos concessions had been "performing well as awareness of the convenience of shopping at both Sainsbury's and Argos under one roof grows among our customers."
The supermarket said clothing and general merchandise businesses had a strong quarter, up 10% and 3% respectively.
Online and convenience store performance was also strong, with sales up more than 9% and 6%. Online sales made up 18% of total group sales in the quarter.
Overall, the sales beat City expectations. Analysts had predicted a fall in like-for-like sales of 0.8%.
Food sales have been buoyant for retailers over Christmas period, according to a report by the British Retail Consortium on Tuesday.Food sales have been buoyant for retailers over Christmas period, according to a report by the British Retail Consortium on Tuesday.
And Morrisons reported its strongest Christmas sales for seven years on Tuesday.And Morrisons reported its strongest Christmas sales for seven years on Tuesday.