Sainsbury's is back to basics

SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's said today it is seeing more cash-strapped customers turn to "own brand" products.

The company recorded a "robust" sales performance, partly on the back of the expansion of its own "basics" range, which has grown to 550 products.

Total sales for the second quarter were up 8.4 per cent, or 5.3 per cent excluding fuel.

Sales on existing products also saw a 7.5 per cent jump, matching a similar jump in like-for-like sales during the first quarter.

Justin King, chief executive, said: "We have refocused our promotional offers with simple and effective deals, and updated the look and feel of our stores with new point-of-sale materials which highlight key offers and promotions."