Fightback at Asda as sales rise by 1.8%

ASDA has posted its first quarterly sales growth in three years as a fightback led by chief executive Sean Clarke begins to bear fruit.

The supermarket, owned by US giant Walmart, reported a 1.8% rise in like-for-like sales in the second quarter, bringing an end to 11 consecutive quarters of deterioration.

Figures have been boosted by a combination of price cuts and rising inflation, and come a year after Asda reported its worst quarterly performance on record when sales tumbled by 7.5%.

Walmart chief executive Doug McMillon said: “We’re encouraged that the UK delivered positive comparative sales.

“In June, I visited Asda to see the progress being made. Customers are responding to investments in price and store experience by visiting the stores more often and increasing their basket sizes. There’s still much more to be done, but we’re clearly headed in the right direction.”

Mr Clarke took up the reins last summer after being parachuted in to replace previous boss Andy Clarke.

Asda announced in September that it was lowering thousands of prices on everyday favourites by an average of 15%, with items such as beef, chicken and sausages all becoming cheaper.

The move, part of a new value campaign dubbed That’s Better, has also seen Asda improve the quality of its own-brand ranges.

Mr Clarke said more shoppers were choosing Asda but warned that the supermarket must up its game.

He said: “Our continued focus on delivering great value and service meant 275,000 new customers chose to shop at Asda in the second quarter.

“Recognition should go to our store colleagues for the progress made from 2016 but we know we need to continue to up our game to be in the best shape possible.

“We will continue to work collaboratively with our suppliers to create the best products, make investments where they matter most to our customers, and ensure that we are fit for purpose in what remains a competitive market.”

In the quarter, Asda enjoyed one of its most successful Easter trading periods on record, with sales up 16%.

Removing the benefit of Easter from the results, Asda’s like-forlike sales were up 0.7%.