Sales at Waitrose were up 3.3% on 2010 figures last week.
The upmarket grocer’s sales were unaffected by significantly colder weather and snow in many parts of the UK in the week to last Saturday.
Waitrose said there was strong demand for festive products with turkey sales up 4.6%, stuffing up 22% and luxury toiletries up 21%.
Stores were “extremely busy” last Saturday which contributed to sales increases in a number of categories, including homeware which recorded a 13.1% rise on last year.
Waitrose retail director Tony Solomons said: “Proving the economy hasn’t dampened the UK’s festive spirit, party food was up by 14% last week and sales of beer, wines and spirit up by 10%. The real winner was wine which had its busiest ever week for 2011, up 5.5%. Champagne was up by a sparkling 48%.
“Heston’s hugely popular Christmas puddings have proved a massive success for the second year running. Some customers may still be able to get their hands on one if they’re very lucky but the vast majority have sold out again.”
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