17 September 2007, 12:24 PM
  • Posting strong half year results, Waitrose is now planning further expansion of its fair trade, local and organic ranges.

Like-for-like food sales increased by 3.2% for the half year, while overall sales reached £1.92bn, representing growth of 7.1%.

The supermarket giant said its sales were underpinned by the acquisition of stores in Eastbourne, Formby, Hexham, Lymington, Parkstone and Southampton and further expansion is expected this year, together with the relaunch of its website Waitrose.com.

Its share in the organics market increased to almost 18%, while local and regional food saw an increase of 80% in sales and 72% growth in fairtrade goods.

Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said, “In a tougher retail environment the business has shown resilience, with both Waitrose and John Lewis achieving strong sales growth, gaining market share and increasing operating profit.”

Waitrose is also rolling out a new checkout system in November to improve efficiency for its customers.

Mr Mayfield added, “We expect market conditions to be much more challenging in the second half of the year.”