Christmas sales boost for Southern Co-op

Southern Co-op said they have seen a 4.7 percent increase in like-for-like sales in the four weeks to 29 December.

The retailer saw sales increase across a range of products including core lines as well as seasonal food and drink.

“We’re pleased with the sales growth over Christmas this year which builds on a solid sales performance through 2019. This reflects on going improvements in store operations and the growing popularity of the Co-op range of products we offer,” said Mark Smith, chief executive.

Co-op Irresistible snacks range and festive bouquets sold well, while mince pies proved as popular as ever, the regional co-operative said.

Latest grocery market share figures from Kantar has also revealed the shopper preference for local co-operative convenience during the festive season.

The Kantar data showed Co-op enjoying 3 percent sales growth in the 12 weeks to 29 December, way ahead of the market.

Much of its success was fuelled by chilled products, with fresh poultry sales up by 10 percent and convenience items like pizza up 9 percent, Kantar said.