Asda achieved a like-for-like sales increase of 0.1% (excluding fuel) in its fourth-quarter trading period.
The financial figures, published as part of parent company Walmart’s trading update for the 14 weeks to 5 January 2013, showed a higher like-for-like sales rise over the full year, of 1%.
Andy Clarke, chief executive officer, said he was pleased with the business’ performance, considering the tough climate.
“But this is no time to be complacent. It’s likely to be a challenging and uncertain year ahead, so we will continue to focus on the customer and adapt the business to their needs. By doing this, I’m confident we have a strong business that can drive growth in a sustainable way,” he added.
During a conference call with analysts yesterday (21 February), Doug McMillon, Walmart international president and chief executive officer, said that e-commerce had seen strong growth in the UK, with total online sales up 18.8% in the fourth quarter compared to the same period last year.
He added: “As part of our investment in global e-commerce, we invested more in the UK, offering more convenient ways to shop through mobile apps and the expansion of click and collect for both grocery and general merchandise. More than half of our online general merchandise customer base now regularly shop Asda this way.”
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