Asda revealed that sales on Christmas Eve were its highest to date, a third higher than its previous biggest Christmas Eve in 2004.

The grocer completed 21 million transactions in the week before Christmas, with the busiest day being Saturday, December 22. Its busiest store – Boldon, near Newcastle – served more than 30 customers a minute.

About 41 stores surpassed sales of£3 million in the seven days to December 31 and sales in 159 stores were greater than£2 million. Asda’s Extra Special range had its best Christmas to date, with sales doubling year on year.

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