BP has announced a growth of 5% in like-for-like sales in its convenience stores for the three-week period covering Christmas and New Year. The 250-strong estate of BP Connect and Express stores showed the most growth in alcohol, confectionery and non-food sales during this period.
 
Alcohol sales were up 13% on last year and confectionery showed a growth of 11% compared to the same period twelve months ago. Soft drinks sales also grew by 7%. BP Connect sites that feature Marks and Spencer Simply Food stores also performed "strongly", the company reported.

BP’s UK convenience retail director Richard Harding said: “In terms of shop sales, we had a strong Christmas and New Year across all our store formats – in light of the challenging trading environment we are delighted with the way things have gone in our stores."

Harding attributed the success of the stores to promotions run over the period. He said: “The success is driven by being convenient for customers, having a great range of products and services, and a really strong promotional programme.”