Alcohol helps to boost Waitrose sales

Alcohol sales were one of the few highlights of Waitrose's trading year in 2008.

Whilst overall sales saw just a 0.5% increase in year-on-year sales, well below the Big Four multiples, sales of beers, spirits and tobacco were up 8% as customers responded to price cuts in those areas.

Waitrose chiefs, however, said they were relatively pleased with the overall performance as it was ahead of its premium rival, Marks & Spencer which is reporting declining sales.

Its overall share of the grocery market slipped from 3.6% to 3.5% in the 12 weeks to February 21.

Its new "Essential Waitrose" range of discounted products hopes to reassure customers that overall basket spends can be less at Waitrose.

Separately John Lewis staff were told this week that they were all to receive a 13% of their salary as their partnership bonus. Which although down on the 20% received last year was higher than many were expecting.

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