Waitrose has reported like-for-like sales for its third quarter were up 4.4%, driven by new customers and larger basket sizes.

For the third quarter ending October 30, total sales were up 9%. Waitrose said the third quarter results are “particularly pleasing” as it is against some tough comparatives from last year. The grocer said, when compared to figures two years ago, sales for the quarter have risen by 22% and were up 8% on a like-for-like basis.

For the week ending November 6, sales were up 9.8%. Sales were driven by bonfire night fare and its 25% off wine and champagne promotion.

Over the last week, the milder weather brought out some buying patterns that would normally be characteristic of spring or summer, with ice cream sales up by 16.8% and frozen desserts by 21%.

Figures from Kantar Worldpanel till roll data this week showed Waitrose up 8.6% for the 12 weeks to October 31, more than double the total grocery market growth.

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