Wm
Morrison Supermarkets is to create 4,500 new jobs over the next two years,
after announcing its 35th successive rise in sales and profits and plans to
expand.
Morrison,
the UK’s fifth largest supermarket chain, is planning 17 new stores – two of
these in the South.
The
company reported full-year takings of £4.2bn, an increase of 11.3 per cent over
the previous year.
Turnover
was £3.9bn, up 11.9 per cent on last year. Pre-tax profit rose to £243m for the
period, an increase of 10.9 per cent on last year.
Chairman
Sir Kenneth Morrison said: "We are resolute and consistent in our purpose,
combining low prices with multi-save promotions to drive sales forward and
boost customer loyalty.
"Though
the market is as tough and competitive as ever, we are maintaining our
momentum. We have a skilled and experienced team committed to delivering the
very best for less, and are well positioned to achieve further solid
growth," he said.
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Morrison
expects to have 130 stores by the end of January 2004.
