United Kingdom based supermarket giant Sainsbury’s says that more people are shopping in-stores amid a crisis in the cost of living, as they say people want to see what they are potentially going to purchase.
Sainbury’s (which also owns Argos) boss Simon Roberts says that customers are being “really careful” about where they spend, “and they wanted to come in and see the deals and offers we had”, according to BBC News.
The grocery company has boasted strong sales over Christmas and reports that overall sales were up by 7.1% in the six weeks to January 7th, 2023.
The BBC spoke with an independent retail expert, Claire Bailey, who says that higher prices rather than people buying more would have boosted the sales figures – “It’s a natural consequence of inflation” – but adds that volumes have been “relatively resilient”.
“Inflation is running at more than 10%, so arguably you’d expect their sales to have been even stronger,” she continued. “Supermarkets as whole did well at the expense of hospitality this Christmas”
“People held more parties at home, and some workplaces switched to having their Christmas gatherings in offices rather than outside, picking up party treats and drinks from supermarkets instead.”
Argos stores were up 50% compared with last year in regards to walk-in sales.
“For all of us, I’m sure it’s just much easier to do that when you go into a shop and see it all,” Robert says. “Customers shopped early, buying Christmas treats and fizz more than once and looked for deals, taking advantage of Black Friday and other seasonal offers.”
“We understand money will be exceptionally tight this year, particularly as many people wait for Christmas bills to land,” Roberts added.
