Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Sainsbury’s predicts that customers getting ready for a bumper Christmas break will make today (Friday December 22) the biggest ever trading day in the company’s history.
With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, the grocer forecasts that record-breaking sales will be driven by shoppers stocking up on supplies ahead of the long weekend of festive celebrations.
Research commissioned by the supermarket chain has revealed that over a third (38%) of UK households who celebrate Christmas will be hosting their own festivities over the weekend, while almost half (46%) of households are planning to attend between two and three Christmas events over the long weekend.
As a result, Sainsbury’s customers in-store and online are expected to spend over £160 million today, with 5.2 million customers set to visit one of Sainsbury’s 607 supermarkets or 820 convenience stores across the UK.
This week is expected to be the retailer’s biggest ever for online sales, with 20 million items set to be delivered in total. Sainsbury’s will be delivering an online grocery order every second throughout today until 11pm across the UK.
The research has also found that over a third (36%) of UK households who celebrate Christmas think Christmas dinner is the most important part of the day. But while one in four (27%) enjoy cooking Christmas dinner from scratch, the same amount of people enjoy hosting but find it quite stressful.
One of the most popular items going into baskets ahead of Christmas is sparkling wine and champagne. Sainsbury’s expects almost half a million bottles – including 9,000 magnums – to be bought tomorrow (Saturday December 23).
Customers will also be picking up the essentials for a classic Christmas. Today Sainsbury’s expects to sell over 55 mince pies every second; 22.6 million Brussels sprouts; 121,000 turkeys; 180,000 Christmas puddings; and 216,000 pigs in blankets.
In addition to grocery shops, customers still looking for last minute Christmas presents will be able to order online from Sainsbury’s Argos up to Christmas Eve. The retailer offers Fast Track delivery & collection across its 835 stores. With over half of orders beginning online, there are now over 200 Click & Collect points available in Sainsbury’s supermarkets and convenience stores, where customers can pick up their Christmas orders alongside their big grocery shop. For last minute Christmas gifts, customers can even order goods for Fast Track delivery until 1pm on Christmas Eve, for delivery by 6pm that day.
Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe, said, “We know that our customers like to treat themselves and their loved ones at Christmas. We’ve launched 185 brand new food lines this Christmas so there is something for every occasion. We know it’s going to be a bumper shopping weekend – we have 820 convenience stores open until late around the country to help right up until the last minute.”
