Waitrose enjoys a party atmosphere

Supermarket Waitrose yesterday said it had seen “exceptional” sales in the run up to New Year’s Eve as shoppers stocked up on champagne and party food.

The grocer, which has 288 shops across the country, said like-for-like sales were 5.4 per cent higher than last year between December 18 and 31 as shoppers prepared to entertain friends and family during the festive period.

With demand for fresh food also strong, total sales in the 12-day period broke the £300m barrier for the first time following an 8.8 per cent rise.

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Managing director Mark Price said: “Our sales for the festive period as a whole have been record-breaking, but the 12 trading days leading up to New Year’s Eve were exceptional as customers got ready for family entertaining and parties.”

Waitrose also extended its shop opening hours during the festive period, with some shops opening as late as 11pm.

Last week it reported that in its Christmas trading period, between November 4 and December 24, sales were up 4.3 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

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