14th Jan 2016 07:57
LONDON (Alliance News) - Booker Group PLC on Thursday reported growth in sales in the four months to January 1 as its newly-acquired Budgens and Londis convenience store chains were successfully integrated into the business, although like-for-like sales declined.
The food wholesaler and convenience store operator said total sales in the 16 weeks to January 1 rose 11% year-on-year, while non-tobacco sales grew 12% and tobacco sales increased 7.4%. Like-for-like sales including the Makro wholesale chain declined 3.1%, while non-tobacco like-for-likes fell 1.3%, and tobacco like-for-likes decreased 6.9%.
Booker said like-for-like sales were hit by deflation in food prices and weak consumer demand during the period. Meanwhile, tobacco sales continued to be weakened by the ban on small stores displaying tobacco products.
Booker added that it made good progress with its integration of Londis and Budgens, which it bought last September.
"Booker Group continued to make progress in a challenging market. Our plans to Focus, Drive and Broaden remain on track. Budgens and Londis are settling into the group well as we continue to improve choice, prices and service for all our customers," Chief Executive Charles Wilson said in a statement.
By Karolina Kaminska; [email protected] @KarolinaAllNews
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