18th Jan 2005 07:00
Tesco PLC18 January 2005 TESCO PLC CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR TRADING STATEMENT BEST CHRISTMAS FOR CUSTOMERS Tesco has delivered strong growth and record sales over the Christmas and NewYear period. Group sales increased by 13.0% in the seven weeks to 8th January2005, driven by all four parts of our strategy. Strong UK Performance UK sales grew by 12.1%, including like-for-like growth of 9.3% and 2.8% from netnew space. Significant growth in petrol volumes, which we have seen for much ofthis year, continued over the holiday period, helped again by our efforts tokeep fuel prices down. Excluding petrol, like-for-like sales increased by 7.6%,similar to the rate of growth reported in our third quarter. Excluding petrol, we saw deflation of (1.6%) in our stores as we investedfurther in lowering prices for customers. We announced an extra £80 million ofcuts on 31st December. We are delighted that our staff delivered our best ever Christmas for customers.One stop shopping for food and non-food at our 100 Extra stores was particularlypopular. Good International Progress International sales grew by 16.1% over the Christmas and New Year tradingperiod, despite tough trading conditions in some of our markets in CentralEurope. The group's strong sales performance means that, despite higher energy and fuelcosts and adverse movements in exchange rates, we remain confident that ourout-turn for the year will be in line with current market consensus. -Ends- For further information: Investor Relations Steve Webb +44 1992 644 800Press Jonathan Church +44 1992 644 645 Angus Maitland +44 20 7379 5151 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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