Central England Co-op is the latest regional Co-op society to announce positive festive results, with sales up by 3.5% in the three weeks ending 4 January.
It said community-based convenience stores traded “particularly well” and enjoyed a bumper Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Increased sales were achieved in fresh produce and protein ranges, food to go sandwiches and party food such as pizzas and ice cream.
Central England Co-op’s annual Christmas Food Bank Appeal was also successful, with over 40,000 items donated – ranging from snacks and treats to toiletries – creating over 20,000 meals for people in local communities. In addition, its first ever Christmas Toybox Appeal saw over 12,000 brand new toys being donated by customers and members.
Central England Co-operative chief executive Debbie Robinson said: “I am delighted to say that the hard work and commitment of our colleagues, coupled with great products and planning, has allowed us to record positive sales figures over the festive period.
“Our Christmas success, alongside a solid performance during 2019, will ensure that during 2020 we will be able to continue to share our success by supporting great local good causes and making a positive impact in our local communities.
“I would like to thank all colleagues, customers and members for their support during this very busy period and also for their efforts in helping us to spread the festive cheer with the amazing results of our Christmas Food Bank Appeal and Christmas Toybox Appeal.”
Lincolnshire Co-op has announced a 7.2% rise in food store sales over the festive period from 14 December to 4 January, while the Southern Co-operative reported a 4.7% increase in like-for-like sales over the four-week Christmas period.
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