The Today’s Group has reported strong first-half trading figures from its members.
Overall sales to the end of June 2010 increased by 8.6% on last year while volumes sold were 6% up against 2009.
The results were led by the licensed category, which posted figures up by 9.2% in value and 7.8% in volume.
This sales growth was also supported by an increase of 8.4% in value and 7.3% by volume in the non-food category, while impulse was also up 6.4% in value and 3.6% in volume.
Bill Laird, managing director, Today’s Group, said: “Against a backdrop of economic and political uncertainty, our members have continued to demonstrate 100% support for their independent retailers and consumers by recognising and responding to their needs. A sustained period of warm sunny weather helped increase impulse sales in particular, drinks and barbecue-type products.”
He added: “Our unique trade events, titled The Big Day, have also generated significant volume increases in wholesale members’ depots, with many reporting record-breaking sales on event days. Although World Cup fever diminished towards the end of June with England’s elimination, sales were positive in traditional categories, but we may have missed an opportunity in the vuvuzelas market.”
The trading update comes hard on the heels of the record Nisa sales and surplus announcement made last week by chief executive Neil Turton.
