Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts has written to customers to assuage fears over the availability of traditional Christmas products this year.
A shortage of drivers, shipping delays and some gaps on supermarket shelves in recent weeks have prompted speculation that retailers will be short of high-demand seasonal lines from toys to turkeys.
Photographs of cardboard images of products masking empty shelves have circulated on social media over the last few days, heightening fears.
However, Roberts told Sainsbury’s customers: “Following reports that some popular products will be hard to find this Christmas, I want to let you know we’re working flat out to make it a Christmas to remember.”
He was confident that customers would not be let down and said: “I also want to reassure you that there will be plenty of food and that we are confident that even if the exact product you are looking for isn’t available, there will be a good alternative.”
He said stores would receive regular deliveries “right up until Christmas Eve” and, while pointing out availability now of frozen turkeys and longer-life products such as puddings, he went on: “We expect to sell more fresh turkeys this year than ever before and we’ll have plenty available.”
Sainsbury’s, which also owns general merchandise giant Argos, will be running its toy Sale in the middle of next month and, in anticipation of strong online demand, said it is offering “more home grocery delivery slots and click and collect slots than ever”.
Roberts concluded: “I hope this helps you in planning for the festive season. All our colleagues and store teams are ready to do all we can to safely serve and help you in the weeks ahead.”
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