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LONDON (Alliance News) - Ocado Group PLC Wednesday said that gross retail sales in December were up 14.8% on last year.
In a short Christmas trading update, the online-only grocer said that its "solid" growth performance from the fourth quarter continued into the run up to Christmas, with sales on its biggest day leading up to Christmas of nearly GBP6 million, up 15% year-on-year.
"In the seven days to Christmas, our [customer fulfilment centres] processed nearly 40% more items for Ocado.com and Morrisons.com than over the same period last year, demonstrating the capabilities of our facilities," said Chief Executive Tim Steiner in a statement.
Ocado's gross retail sales refers to sales from Ocado.com, Fetch.co.uk and Sizzle.co.uk, and its retail operations. Gross sales include revenue plus VAT and marketing vouchers.
"Our focus remained on delivering the highest service levels at this very important time for customers, while offering the widest range at competitive prices," said Steiner.
Ocado said it will release its full-year results on February 3.
By Rowena Harris-Doughty; rowenaharrisdoughty@alliancenews.com; @rharrisdoughty
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