Tesco sales up 5.9%

Supermarket giant Tesco has said it enjoyed a "successful" Christmas, with like-for-like UK sales rising by 5.9% in the six weeks to 6 January. Sales were driven by Tesco's premium "Finest" range but it also enjoyed a record year in clothing and accessories sales. The increase was at the top end of expectations and comes after rivals such as Sainsbury's and Morrisons have also reported record festive sales. Tesco's internet business also experienced strong growth, with total sales up by more than 30% to over £150m.

The firm said its grocery team delivered more than 14 million items in its busiest Christmas week to date. The retailer added that its overseas businesses also traded well over Christmas and New Year, with international sales up by 15.8%. According to industry experts TNS, Tesco increased its share of the UK market over the holiday period. TNS said Tesco had a 31.4% share of all sales through UK supermarkets in the 12 weeks ending 31 December.