Sainsbury’s has reported its first rise in sales for two years.
Sales at stores that have been open more than a year, excluding fuel, increased by 0.1% in the three months to 12 March.
The increase compares with a 0.4% fall in like-for-like sales during the Christmas period.
The supermarket has continued to cut back on multi-buy promotions and will phase them out by August, and on lowering the prices of everyday items. It will also launch new products.
It has also opened 16 new convenience stores over the year.
The supermarket’s chief executive, Mike Coupe, said clothing had been fuelling growth. A new fashion line has driven an 11% jump for the subsector over the quarter.
He said market conditions remained competitive but was confident that the brand would continue to outperform its competitors.
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