Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Total divisional sales, excluding fuel, were up 4.2% last week (to May 7) for Waitrose, as the year’s first burst of warm weather tempted customers outdoors for alfresco dining and entertaining.
Sales of barbecue meats were up by 41% for the supermarket chain, while fresh produce saw an uplift of 11.8% on last year. A weekend of outdoor socialising was also reflected in an increase in sales of gin (up 15%) and rosé wine (up 39%).
Waitrose personnel director Helen Hyde commented: “The warm weather inspired customers to enjoy their gardens, as outdoor plant sales grew by 33%.
“However, shoppers were also keeping cool as ice and ice cream sales were up by 60% and 56% respectively.”
