The Co-operative Group has revealed it is pleased with its “good” Christmas trading figures.

The Group posted a food like-for-like increase of six per cent for the three weeks ending January 3, with an overall like-for-like increase of 5.2 per cent (excluding fuel).

Figures for the whole year were also positive as the retailer reported that like-for-like sales had grown by 4.9 per cent, driven by its store refit programme, range investment, and excellent performance from seasonal categories and fresh foods.

Peter Marks, chief executive, said: "These results represent a good trading performance from our food business in an increasingly competitive marketplace and a difficult economic climate.

“We continue to make very good progress in all our target areas with great products, local convenience, good value and responsible retailing at the heart of our customer offer.

"Leading into and throughout the seasonal trading period, we sharpened our prices and strengthened our customer offer providing even greater value locally, backed by our best ever national TV advertising and local marketing campaign," he said.

The Group also noted significant growth in its online electrical business, with a 30 per cent increase in sales in the week prior to Christmas.

Topics