Both categories continue to outperform the market in retailer’s Q1 trading statement.
Sainsbury’s has revealed that its general merchandise and clothing sales outperformed the market during its first quarter.
The retailer revealed its first quarter trading statement for the 16 weeks to July 1 yesterday (July 4).
General merchandise sales grew by 1% on an underlying basis (including Argos in last year’s base), outperforming the market despite the impact of closing 78 Argos in Homebase and 84 Habitat in Homebase concessions over the last year.
Clothing sales, meanwhile, were up over 7%, with strong growth both in stores and online.
Argos continues to perform well, growing market share, with strong growth in mobile, audio and tech categories and good growth in core electricals and toys.
Mike Coupe, group chief executive, stated: “General merchandise and clothing, including Argos, outperformed the market, with Fast Track delivery and collection seeing a stellar performance during the quarter, particularly during the period of warm weather when customers wanted to buy and receive their products the same day.
“Argos customers are increasingly choosing to shop with us online, consistent with our objective of being a leading digital retailer.”
Sainsbury’s also confirmed that it is on track to open around 135 Argos Digital stores in its supermarkets by the end of 2017/18, taking the total to 175. It also has 212 digital collection points in its supermarkets, where customers can collect DPD, eBay and Tu clothing – 142 of which are enabled for Argos orders.
It is also trialling six collection points in convenience stores.
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