Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Total divisional sales for the two weeks to December 27, excluding petrol, were 6.5% higher than last year at Waitrose.
The supermarket chain reported today that during the fortnight customers ‘were preparing for both Christmas and New Year celebrations with gusto’. Champagne sales were up 14% compared with the previous year, while sparkling wine and whisky were also up by 20% and 22% respectively.
Waitrose retail director Rob Collins commented: “We were also looking to make our homes as festive as possible ahead of the arrival of friends and family. Sales of table stationery, including napkins and tablecloths, increased by 24% on the year, while baubles and decorations were up an impressive 143%. Crackers were another popular buy, up 13%.”
Turkey sales continued to be strong, up 10.9% for the Christmas week. As well as traditional festive favourites, last week saw customers starting to think about culinary treats for New Year’s Eve. Sales of frozen lobster were up 51%, and party food also performed well, with choices such as mini beef Yorkshire puddings and savoury pastry whirls up 4.5% and 14.5% respectively. Cheese was another popular choice – Waitrose’s Christmas cheese range was up by 38.8% for the Christmas week, with top tier cheeses also up by 35.7%.
Rob Collins added: “Customers were clearly hoping for some excellent Christmas gifts from friends and family; sales of thank you cards were up by 35% for the week before Christmas, compared to the previous year. Christmas cards were also up by 21%.”
