Like-for-like UK sales at Tesco grew slightly during the Christmas trading period, with the supermarket highlighting the “subdued” market.
The supermarket reported a 0.1% increase in UK sales in the six weeks to 4 January. However, it also posted a 0.4% decline in like-for-like sales at its UK stores during its third quarter ending 23 November.
The news comes amid a slew of Christmas trading updates, including homewares retailer Dunelm and stationery chain Card Factory.
Dunelm’s total sales rose by 5% on a like-for-like basis in the 13 weeks to 28 December. The company, which has 171 stores, plans to open three more superstores (including two relocations) during the second half of the year.
On the other side of the spectrum, Card Factory suffered a more dismal trading period. The company posted a 0.6% drop in like-for-like sales in the 11 months to 31 December, alongside a “challenging” Christmas period.
The card retailer said there were 47 net new openings in the year-to-date in the UK and Republic of Ireland, bringing its total estate to 1,019.
It added that it was on track for around 50 net new stores, with a “solid pipeline” of new opportunities.
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