Sainsbury’s Christmas clothing sales outperform

Total sales for the supermarket chain, which has more than 1,400 stores across the UK, increased 3.7% year on year.

The 2.2% rise in clothing sales during the peak trading period saw Sainsbury's outperform supermarket fashion competitors including Tesco F&F and George at Asda in share gains, according to Kantar Panel data.

The golden quarter performance follows a 1.3% year-on-year increase in clothing sales during the 28 weeks ended 14 September 2024.

The business attributed the growth in its clothing division to "significant improvements in range and availability" as it looks to make changes to shop floor space reallocation and "focus on full-price seasonal sales".

Sainsbury's will increase pay for retail employees by 5% in 2025, the business announced as part of the trading update.

The pay rise will be split into two increases in March and August. The first increase will see wages go up to £12.45 per hour in March, and to £13.70 for London-based employees.

The wages will be further increased to £12.60 per hour in August, with £13.85 for those based in London.

Last week, Sainsbury's Tu Clothing unveiled an activewear and loungewear collaboration with former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Oti Mabuse.