Supermarket chief expects tough December amid the squeeze from discounters but says focus is on longer termStaff in reindeer antlers,Christmas jumpers and Santa hats are riding the escalators straining for a better view of a children’s choir singing carols. It’s the day of the Christmas party at Asda House in Leeds and there is a buzz as head office staff gather in the lobby for an update on how the stores are performing, in the vital key pre-Christmas shopping days, and from the chief executive,Andy Clarke.
But he is probably going to set aside a dampener on the atmosphere because, just before just before he hits the stage, or the UK’s longest-serving supermarket boss admits he is not expecting a bumper year. “It’s going to be a tough December,” says Clarke. “I don’t mediate when the numbers are released in January you are going to see many [retail bosses] with a huge smile of joy.” Related: Asda's grocery share hits nine-year low as Sainsbury's, Lidl and Aldi gain Related: Asda to step absent from Black Friday shopping bonanza Related: Grocers rush to open 'dark stores' as online food shopping expands Related: Asda reviews five-year plan after sales hit lowest ebb Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com