Sainsbury’s has today launched its biggest ever toy promotion, slashing 50% off prices of all toys for one week.

The grocer said the promotion will save UK consumers around £12m over the next week, and further promotions will launch over the coming weeks.

The promotion covers all products, not just selected lines, and it is also the first year Sainsbury’s has sold toys online.

The grocer expects to sell 3 million toys this week – a rise of 70% one the same week last year.

Sainsbury’s toy buyer, Barrie Rankin, said: “We wanted to give our customers more choice, so rather than only cutting the price of selected lines, we decided to slash the price of everything by 50 per cent, both in-store and online, providing real value and significant savings in the run-up to Christmas.

“Over the past 12 months, our toy business has been growing exponentially and is becoming a real destination for parents looking for variety and value. We expect to sell 3 million toys over the next week, a 70% sales lift on the same week last year.”

Rival Asda also embarked on a toy promotion last week.

The Toy Retailers Association has recommended some of Sainsbury’s half price toys including Ben 10 Alien Force Kevins DX Action Cruiser at £14.75, Monopoly City at £12.49 and Transformers Movie 2 Voyagers Figures at £12.49.