Online grocer Ocado said it expects year on year gross sales growth of around 13% for the 12 weeks ending 13 May as demand for online food shopping grows and it overcomes constraints at its warehouse in Hatfield.
The group, which sells mostly Waitrose products, said operational performance at its Hatfield customer fulfilment centre just north of London is now at record levels of capacity following operational difficulties last year.
Ocado said in a company statement, "A number of new enhancements have gone live in both the first and second quarter which will enable us to continue to expand our capacity, significantly extend our range, and improve our operational efficiency and customer service performance."
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
It added that the construction of its second distribution hub at Dordon, Warwickshire, is progressing according to plan. Testing and commissioning is due to start over the summer and operations are still on track to start in the first quarter of 2013.
The board is encouraged by the progress of the business so far this year, it said.
CJ
-
How the Budget will hurt you: MoneyWeek TalksPodcast An Autumn budget podcast special episode, featuring MoneyWeek editors Kalpana Fitzpatrick, Andrew van Sickle and Cris Heaton.
-
The new 4% rule – how much should retirees really draw from their pension in 2026?Brits retiring in 2026 could be withdrawing too much from their pension pots if they stick to an old rule about ‘safe’ limits – with the risk of running out of money in retirement
