Asda's Christmas sales slide as shoppers rein in spending

Retailer blames challenging conditions for 1.3% fall in total sales, excluding petrolSales slipped at Asda in the final three months of last year after customers cut back on spending in the run-up to Christmas.The supermarket chain’s clothing line, George, was hit particularly hard. Its food business proved more resilient, with sales of its Extra Special range growing 5% year-on-year. However, this was not enough to stop a 1.3% fall in total sales, excluding petrol.What’s the problem