Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s said it was on track to deliver five Netto stores by the year-end.
In a second quarter trading statement for 16 weeks to 27 September, Sainsbury’s said it would deliver a total of 750,000 sq ft of new space this year, including around two convenience stores per week.
During the quarter, it opened 23 convenience stores and refurbished 10. It also opened two supermarkets, three supermarket extensions and refurbished a further two supermarkets.
The group’s like-for-like retail sales were down 2.8% (excluding fuel) and down 4.1% (including fuel).
Chief executive Mike Coupe said: “In the second quarter, our performance has been impacted by the accelerated pace of change in the grocery market, including significant pricing activity and food price deflation in many areas.
“These conditions are likely to persist for the foreseeable future and we now expect our like-for-like sales in the second half of the year to be similar to the first half.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
