Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Total sales excluding fuel were 10% down last week (to Saturday January 7)) for Waitrose.
The supermarket chain said comparisons distorted by the fall of the New Year’s Day bank holiday (when the majority of its branches were closed) which resulted in one additional day of trade in the same week in 2016.
Commenting on the week’s trading, Waitrose property director Nigel Keen said: “Many customers were starting the year with a health kick, as sales of stir fry vegetables and prepared fruit were up over 20% and people turned to healthier snacking alternatives such as nuts after the Christmas indulgence.
“Vegetarian meals had a strong week and spiralised vegetables also continue to be a popular speedy dinner choice.
“As the Christmas decorations were put away, bare homes were brightened by spring flowers, up 32%.
“Household cleaning was also on the agenda as the hosting season drew to a close, resulting in a strong week for the category, with people taking advantage of half price offers to re-stock their cleaning cupboards with the essentials.”
