Waitrose has posted a rise in interim like-for-like sales of 3.5% as the supermarket prepares to open its first new store since the Autumn of 2000.
The chain said the introduction of its hand-held self-scanning system had reduced costs and increased loyalty from time-poor shoppers, and would be rolled out across existing and new stores.
Waitrose noted its emphasis on fresh food and high standards of service had helped “differentiate itself from competitors”.
Four new stores will be opened by the end of the year. The first - on September 17 at London’s Canary Wharf - a food and home format store, which combines a Waitrose supermarket with “a carefully targeted selection” from the John Lewis department store offer.
For the period to July 27 Waitrose’s sales contributed £1.17bn to the total sales figure at the John Lewis Partnership of £2.18bn, 5% ahead of last year.
Pre-tax profit at JLP fell to £34m from £44m in 2001, hit by increased pension costs and higher interest charges to fund its investment programme.
The chain said the introduction of its hand-held self-scanning system had reduced costs and increased loyalty from time-poor shoppers, and would be rolled out across existing and new stores.
Waitrose noted its emphasis on fresh food and high standards of service had helped “differentiate itself from competitors”.
Four new stores will be opened by the end of the year. The first - on September 17 at London’s Canary Wharf - a food and home format store, which combines a Waitrose supermarket with “a carefully targeted selection” from the John Lewis department store offer.
For the period to July 27 Waitrose’s sales contributed £1.17bn to the total sales figure at the John Lewis Partnership of £2.18bn, 5% ahead of last year.
Pre-tax profit at JLP fell to £34m from £44m in 2001, hit by increased pension costs and higher interest charges to fund its investment programme.
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