It has been reported that for the sixth quarter in row, Sainsbury’s sales have dropped in what they say is a “highly competitive” market.

Figures show that like-for-like sales decreased by 2.1% (excluding fuel) and total sales fell by 3.7% including fuel in the 12 weeks to June 6th.

In May, Sainsbury’s announced its first annual loss for 10 years and commented that the remaining financial year would “remain challenging”.
The supermarket is the third biggest in the UK by annual revenue after Tesco and Asda. Sainsbury’s, along with all the other big supermarkets in the UK, are fighting to regain market share from low cost rivals Lidl and Aldi.

In a statement, SVP & knowledge officer for Kantar Retail, Bryan Roberts, said: "On the face of it, a sixth consecutive quarter of declining like-for-likes is an obvious disappointment, indicative of the fact that Sainsbury's immunity to the discount menace is well and truly over.

"With Morrisons back on the front foot and Tesco and Asda continuing to spar on pricing, things certainly won't be getting any easier.

"However, the retailer has made some courageous moves on range, stores and promotion and we continue to assert that the Sainsbury's cloud has more silver lining than some."