Sainsbury: Q2/2008 delivers continued robust sales performance

London / UK. (js) J. Sainsbury PLC announed its second quarter trading statement for the 16 weeks to 04 October. Some highlights: Total sales for second quarter up 8,4 percent (5,3 percent excluding fuel). Like-for-like sales for second quarter up 7,5 percent (4,3 percent excluding fuel). Like-for-like sales for first half up 7,4 percent (3,9 percent excluding fuel). Justin King, chief executive, said: «This is a good result and given the current environment shows how the strength and broad appeal of the Sainsbury´s brand has improved substantially during the past four years. Like-for-like sales growth, excluding fuel, of 4,3 percent over the summer quarter and 3,9 percent for the first half, demonstrates that Sainsbury´s universal offer is meeting our customers´ expectations for great quality and excellent value» (complete press release).