Waitrose sales boosted by Halloween
Sales at Waitrose edged up 3.9% year-on-year in the week ending 18 October as trade was boosted by customers getting ready for Halloween.
As a result, sales of seasonal decorations and confectionery increased by 40% and 10% respectively, while apple sales rose by 10%.
As the weather turned more autumnal, comforting prepared meals also proved popular, with sales of Indian ready meals increasing by 20% while sales of the ‘Ready to Cook’ range increased by 40%. Pizza also saw positive sales uplifts, up 14.5% compared to last year. Meanwhile, customers seeking a healthier alternative opted for the Waitrose ‘Love Life you count’ range which was up 56%.
Other items seeing strong uplifts in the week included washing up liquid, soap and air care with sales up 33%, 23% and 27% respectively. Waitrose attributed the increases to customers getting ready for the arrival of visitors during half term.
Mark Williamson, commercial director at Waitrose, said: “The preparation for Halloween and half-term school holidays drove a good performance across a wide range of categories and divisional sales (excluding petrol) increased by 3.9%.
“The week also saw our newly redeveloped branch in Dorking open on Thursday and the launch of our first Click & Collect lockers on the transport network.”
