Sainsbury’s grows - but not as fast as expected

Sainsbury's experienced slower growth than expected, with same-store sales increasing by only one per cent rather than the anticipated two per cent in the 10 weeks to March 19.

Chief executive Justin King blamed the tough consumer environment, adding that customers were facing "fuel price inflation, uncertain employment prospects and government spending cuts".

Growth rates have slowed across the supermarket sector. Regardless of this, Sainsbury's has continued to expand, with three new supermarkets, one extension and 21 new convenience stores.

The UK's third biggest supermarket chain surpassed its "big four" rivals - Tesco, Morrisons and Asda - during the Christmas period, seeing 3.6 per cent growth in the previous quarter.

Read a full report at the Guardian. ·