Asda’s like-for-like sales increased by 0.7% between April and June but this performance compares with the 2.2% growth in the first quarter of the year, according to the Walmart Q2 figures from 1 April 2012 to 30 June 2012.
Andy Clarke, CEO and president of Asda, said: “I’m really proud of our performance again this quarter. We have continued to increase our sales and grow ahead of the market through a combination of lowering more prices and driving even harder on product quality. Our ‘real value’ strategy is paying dividends, and enabling us to grow the business in a sustainable way.”
Doug McMillon, Walmart International president and CEO, said: “The UK had a strong second quarter, growing sales, and growing operating income faster than sales, excluding fuel.
“Despite a difficult consumer environment and the wettest weather on record, Asda gained market share in the second quarter, according to the Kantar Worldwide Panel Total Till Roll for the 12 weeks ending 8 July. Excluding fuel, net sales grew 3.2%. Comparable sales, excluding fuel, increased 0.7%.
“The strongest performances were in grocery, apparel and electronics. In addition, our online business in the UK improved its already strong performance, with sales growth of 22.1% in the quarter.
At a briefing held at Leiths School of Food and Wine, Asda’s partner on developing its Extra Special range, CEO Andy Clarke and marketing director Stephen Smith highlighted the investment Asda has made over the past two years in delivering both low prices and quality for its customers.
The retailer has invested over £113m in developing the quality of its food ranges over the past two years – from the launch of Chosen by you and Butcher’s Selection to its re-launch of Smart Price and partnership with Leiths School of Food and Wine on Extra Special.
Clarke said: “Asda has and always will be the price leader, but we know that a tighter budget does not limit mum’s desire to give her family the absolute best. We’re redefining what real value means and showing that price and quality aren’t mutually exclusive.”
Source: Asda
