Majority of Shields Gazette readers choose shops over supermarkets as Sainsbury's reveal lower sales

Last week, Sainsbury's revealed its lower sales over its Christmas quarter as a tough toy market offset growth in its groceries arm.

The group – which owns the Argos chain – said like-for-like retail sales fell 0.7% in the 15 weeks to January 4.

Sainsbury’s also claimed that their toys and games had been the hardest hit in the division.

Chief executive Mike Coupe said the group had seen "twin peaks" throughout the festive period of trading, with strong sales noticed around Black Friday and the week running up to Christmas, but noted "more challenging" conditions in between those times.

In a recent Facebook poll, we asked you: “Do you find you're doing more shopping away from the supermarket for certain items?”

Out of 340 readers who voted, 74% said yes while 26% disagreed.

Peter Watt said: “For most items yes it's a bit more of a faff, for example, a tub of Durham peas pudding in Morrison's 75p and in Aldi 39p.”

Janet Meikle added: “I don't believe that supermarkets should be allowed to corner the entire market. It is good to shop around and support local businesses.”

Stephen Sullivan argued: “I just find Sainsbury’s so expensive!”

John Mac said: “I always try and use local small outlets and only use supermarkets when needed or out of hours.”