Smaller stores helped Somerfield enjoy good Christmas trading, the firm said today, before it is bought by the Co-operative Group (Co-op).
Like-for-like sales grew 3.7% in the three weeks to 3 January, while stores below 5,000 sq ft in size witnessed a 10% like-for-like sales boost.
Chief executive Paul Mason said: “These figures clearly demonstrate the turnaround that has been achieved at Somerfield – and provides an excellent platform going forward for the combined Somerfield and Co-op businesses.”
Retail director John Cleland added: “I am immensely proud of the hard work and commitment of all of our colleagues; they have remained focused on giving our customers what they want.”
Spar said today it has bought 11 Somerfield stores that are being sold as part of a divestment package.
The Office of Fair Trading told the Co-op certain stores have to be sold so local competition concerns arising from the merger are quashed.
Somerfield also saw strong pre-Christmas sales.
