Sainsbury’s has reported strong sales figures in its second quarter financial statement.

In its second quarter trading statement published today (7 October), UK supermarket Sainsbury’s has reported continued strong sales but warns that growth may be slowing.

The retailer saw like-for-like sales excluding fuel rise by 4.6% in the 16 weeks to 3 October.

Weekly transactions have also experienced a rise during the quarter, now totalling over 18.5 million, which is an increase of 800,000 year on year.

The supermarket also opened 19 new stores nationwide during the four months, including the acquisition of 14 Somerfield and Co-operative stores earlier this year.

Sainsbury’s stated that despite the challenging retail environment, the firm continues to perform well. However, the supermarket chain went on to add that reduced inflation in upcoming months would be likely to slow growth.

Like-for-like sales in the previous quarter had grown by 7%.

Justin King, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “Our performance in the first half continues to show good progress as we also invest for the future.

“While we expect market growth to slow in the coming months due to reduced inflation, the universal appeal of our focus on quality and value leaves us well positioned going forward.”

Sainsbury’s recently announced plans to create 10,000 new jobs in two years to March 2011, mainly through the opening of new stores. The Christmas period will also see 20,000 temporary positions opened up nationwide, with recruitment starting next week.