The grocer’s same-store sales slipped 0.2% in the 12 weeks to September 21, but total retail sales edged up 0.1%.

Sales in its core grocery division increased 0.6% as it lauded improvements in its performance “relative to the market”.

Clothing sales advanced 3.3% during the quarter, but general merchandise sales dropped 2%.

Sainsbury’s said it plans to shutter another 60-70 standalone Argos stores and open around 80 new shop-in-shops at its larger supermarkets.