Shoppers urged to just buy what they need during coronavirus outbreak as Morrisons sales jump

People have been stockpiling over coronavirus fears, despite supermarkets calling for calm from shoppers. | pa

Supermarket Morrisons has called on shoppers to “just buy what we need” as it revealed a jump in sales in recent weeks due to nationwide stockpiling amid the coronavirus crisis.

The Bradford-based supermarket, which yesterday announced plans to ramp up its online operations to help meet surging delivery demand, said underlying pre-tax profits rose 3 per cent to £408m in the year to February 2.

Full-year group like-for-like sales, excluding VAT, were 0.8 per cent lower, having been 4.8 per cent higher in the previous year.

In a joint statement, chairman Andrew Higginson and chief executive David Potts said: "We are currently facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainty dealing with Covid-19.

"Looking after our colleagues and customers is our priority, ensuring that we have a clean, safe place to shop and work.

"At Morrisons, we have a strong, experienced, and above all, determined team of the best food makers and shopkeepers in Britain.

"We promise to work as hard as we can for customers, suppliers, and all stakeholders to keep our shops operating as smoothly as possible."

Shoppers urged to just buy what they need during coronavirus outbreak as Morrisons sales jump

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