Asda reveals sales and market growth

Asda has reported that it has increased its share of the UK retailer market by 0.3% to 11.8% over the third-quarter of the year. It also says it has seen single-digit sales growth.

Walmart, its US parent company, revealed the figures as the UK’s second largest chain prepared to unveil its Christmas advertising campaign starring Julie Walters.

Andy Bond, ASDA chief executive, says: “For the ninth straight month we have grown our share of the market and beat our sales and profit plan. This clearly demonstrates that our commonsense approach to always lowering prices is continuing to pay off.”

Bond also took aim at some of Asda’s rivals in the run up to the festive season, saying: “With interest rate rises and the increased cost of Christmas customers are feeling the pinch but retailers should stop blaming this, wet weather or consumer confidence for their sales performance – it’s a load of humbug.”

Asda says that the growth was fuelled by the opening of eight new stores and the development of its online shopping offer.