Fresh produce and meat helped to boost sales at Booker, the UK’s leading cash and carry chain, with like-for-like sales up 6.7% in the 16 weeks up to January 1, according to a third-quarter interim statement out today.
This performance compares to a 2.7% growth in like-for-likes seen a year ago.
Non-tobacco like-for-likes rose by 6% (up from 5% last year), while like-for-like tobacco sales increased by 7.9% (against a 0.9% decline in the previous year).
Booker said that although the catering and retail markets had a competitive Christmas, Booker grew non-tobacco sales by 6% through improving choice, price and service.
Customer numbers increased and the average spend per customer improved.
Following improvements to the range, fresh departments did particularly well with fruit and vegetables up 59% and meat up 20%.
Tobacco sales growth was partly due to UK consumers purchasing more UK duty paid tobacco and partly due to Booker increasing share in the UK wholesale market.
Profits and net debt remain in line with management expectations.
Booker said its performance in India, where it opened a cash and carry last year. was “encouraging”.
“Customer numbers and spend levels are good. There is a lot to do in Mumbai and there will be setbacks, however the customer response is excellent,” said Booker.
“We are increasingly confident that Booker can serve the Kirana stores, street traders, caterers and suppliers of India. We will provide an update on our operations in India with the full year results on 20 May 2010.”
Charles Wilson, Booker chief executive said: “Booker continues to make good progress, with both customer numbers and customer satisfaction improving further.
“As a result of our continued focus on choice, price and service, like-for-like sales increased by 6.7%. We look forward to continuing to help our customers compete in the months ahead.”
Steve Fox, sales director for retail said: “Trading has remained challenging for independent retailers, however these results are encouraging.
“Our £60m Euro Shopper brand continues to deliver more sales and profits for retailers, with the recent launch of products such as chewing gum, noodle snacks and family tissues proving tremendously popular.
“Premier has seen another good performance with a strong promotional package proving a success.
“This was driven by products such as 700ml Smirnoff, Bell’s, Bailey’s and Gordon’s for £9.99, three bottles of Echo Falls wine for £10 and half-price Walkers crisps.
“Also the wintry weather has led to more people shopping locally.
“To say thank you to our customers for their business during 2009, we are holding a two day spectacular in branch on January 21 and 22, which will includes mega deals, products tastings and free stock to thank customers.”
Source: Booker
