Booker, the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler, has grown its like-for-like retail sales by 5.5% in the 24 weeks to 11th September 2009, driven by a continued focus on choice, price and service.
The sales increase, coming with Booker Group's interim results, were a strong part of driving overall sales 7.7 per cent higher to £1.6bn. The 5.5 per cent rise compares to a fall of 0.5 per cent in the same period last year.
Steve Fox, Booker's Sales Director - Retail, said a continued focus on price, the extension of branch opening hours, the roll out of the ‘Extra' format and improved availability, had all helped Booker win more share of spend from existing customers and new independent retailers. The success was underlined by the fact that customer satisfaction scores for choice price and service had further improved
An example of choice is Booker's exclusive Euro Shopper brand which has been extended with additional grocery products and a move into the chilled category with launch of bacon, cheese and cooked meats, all price marked at £1. Prices have improved with continued everyday low prices that are locked down, such as bread at just 69p (when purchased by 10) and milk at just 87p (when purchased by four.)
Premier continues to go from strength to strength with 185 retailers joining the Group during the period, of which 85 are in the new ‘Express' format. There are now 2,392 Premier stores in the UK. Following the re-launch of Premier in March 2009, retailers have seen the benefits of consumer-driven ranging, localness and the launch of three new formats.
"Whilst the market remains challenging, we are making positive progress with more independent retailers shopping at Booker," said Steve Fox. "Our retail sales have grown 5.5% which is encouraging and customers say we are doing a better job for them. By continuing to focus on increasing choice, lowering prices and improving our service, we have kept up our record of helping independent retailers increase their sales and profits - and we are determined to keep doing so."
ENDS
For further information, please contact Melanie Balmer, PR Manager on tel: 01933 371139.