Sainsbury’s online sales hit by technical glitch

Sainsbury’s has been forced to pull its online delivery service after a technical error on the site. The problem, first identified yesterday afternoon (June 17), is expected to hit sales.

The retailer admits that the glitch has had a knock-on effect on deliveries due to made today, but has called its customers to inform them of the matter. It adds that it hopes the problem will be resolved “as soon as possible” although could not give an exact time or date.

The news comes as the retailer announced that online sales have increased by 40% in the 12 weeks to June 14. Its total like-for-like sales increased by 3.4% over the period compared with 4.1% increase in the previous three months.

Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King says the company “anticipates that the environment will remain challenging” but “operates from a strong financial position”.

Last month, the retailer reported a 28% rise in profits to £488m for the 2007 financial year.