Sainsbury's Tu clothing sales robust in H1, seasonal wear particularly strong

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Nov 4, 2021

Sainsbury’s own-brand Tu clothing sales “remained strong” in the half-year to 18 September, the UK supermarket giant said Thursday.

And with Covid-19 restrictions lifting, its customers have been updating their wardrobes, “with Womenswear and Seasonal performing particularly strongly,” it said in its latest trading statement. 

Group total sales (excluding VAT) rose 5.3%, with fuel sales up 62.7%. It saw strong digital sales of £5.8 billion, consistent with H1 20/21 at 39% of retail sales. Underlying pre-tax profits for the period rose 23% to £371 million for the 28-week period.

It said Tu H1 sales rose year-on-year and year-on-two-years (no numbers provided), "despite competitors reopening". Importantly, it said the gains were achieved despite reduced promotions and the retailer also noted it has also grown its full-price sales.

Most importantly, Sainsbury’s said online clothing sales were up 70% on a two-year basis, reaffirming that the move to clothes shopping online during lockdowns hasn’t diminished for the retailer. 

OK, its general merchandise sales fell 5.8%, “as expected” because the numbers were up against strong lockdown and seasonal sales comparatives of a year ago when the business was allowed to trade as an essential retailer.

And generally, the company revealed that shipping delays and wider supply chain disruption, including from worker shortages, risk rising prices, revealing that Argos is currently feeling the worst supply chain pain. The Argos business was hit particularly hard by supply chain challenges and easing demand following the lifting of pandemic restrictions.

But overall, Sainsbury’s said it’s in a "good position" for Christmas despite warning that price pressures were building as a result of the challenges.