Asda's comparable store sales last month were strongest in grocery and clothing, parent company Wal-Mart’s October results have revealed.

Wal-Mart International vice-chairman Mike Duke said: “In a difficult economic environment in the UK, Asda had another strong month as a result of increased customer count. Comparable store sales were strongest in grocery and clothing. In general merchandise, sales of Halloween merchandise were ahead of expectations.”

For the four weeks ending October 31, Wal-Mart’s international net sales were down 5.9 per cent to US$6.8 billion (£4.28 billion). In the US, net sales were up 5.3 per cent to US$18.4 billion (£11.59 billion).

In the US, the retailer said its focus on price helped it post positive comparable store traffic for October.

“Customer comparable traffic is higher and our seasonal merchandising events are delivering improved sales,” said Wal-Mart US president and chief executive Eduardo Castro-Wright. “Highly competitive pricing, especially on basics throughout the store, is driving these results.”

Topics