Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Sainsbury’s warns of tough Christmas trading and urges restraint on business taxes
Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts warned that the run-up to Christmas will be difficult as households face pressure on their budgets.
The warning comes as Britain’s second-largest supermarket reported slower sales growth in the six months to 12 September.
Sales growth slowed to 2.6%, with shoppers keeping a close watch on spending and cutting back on clothing and larger purchases.
Sainsbury’s said strong online grocery sales and demand for its premium own-label food helped offset weaker sales elsewhere.
Roberts urged the government to avoid raising business rates and employers’ national insurance in its upcoming Budget, saying businesses are already facing higher costs.
He also said energy and fertiliser costs could push food prices up next year, and called for more support for investment in farming and food production.
Sainsbury’s raised its annual profit outlook, and plans to open 10 supermarkets and 25 convenience stores by March; its sale of Argos is expected to complete in February.
Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts said consumers would be spared dramatic food price rises this Christmas.
He said many households are under pressure and called on the Government to avoid significant increases in business taxes and labour costs.
Roberts said the Government was listening after talks with ministers at No 11 Downing Street.
Sainsbury’s reported stronger grocery sales and raised its profit outlook for the year.
The retailer said its Nectar Prices and Aldi Price Match scheme had helped attract customers.
- Who
- Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, made the comments.
- What
- He said consumers would be spared dramatic food price rises this Christmas and urged the Government to ease pressure on businesses.
- When
- The comments were reported on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Roberts said many households were finding things tough and called for the Government to avoid significant increases in business taxes and labour costs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sainsbury’s agreed to sell Argos for at least £120 million to Swift Partners.
Simon Roberts took part in talks with ministers at No 11 Downing Street.
Sainsbury’s reported stronger grocery sales over the past half-year and improved its profit outlook.
- Chief executive
- Simon Roberts
- Christmas prices
- Consumers will be spared dramatic rises, according to Roberts
- Half-year revenue
- £16.2 billion, up 4.1%
- Grocery sales
- £13.2 billion, up 2.9%
- Underlying operating profit
- £525 million, up 3.6%
4 sources
What people are saying
I think this Government is listening to business
We’ve had the opportunity to meet with figures from Government and stress that it is really important we don’t see a repeat from previous budgets.
With great value, outstanding quality and exciting new food across our ranges, we’re looking forward to helping customers enjoy a really special Christmas.