Group sales increased by 7.5% at constant exchange rates (6.9% at actual rates) in the six weeks to 9 January 2010.
UK
Total sales increased by 8.3% compared with the same period last year (8.0% excluding petrol). Like-for-like sales excluding petrol and including VAT increased by 5.1% in the period (4.9% VAT-adjusted), all of which was volume growth. This was the strongest Christmas performance for three years.
United States
Fresh & Easy had a stronger Christmas and New Year period than last year, with total sales growth of 35% at constant exchange rates (24% at actual rates) and strongly positive like-for-like sales growth.