Booker has revealed positive results for trading over the Christmas period. In the 16 weeks to 1st January, the wholesaler saw total sales grow by 10.5% given the inclusion of the Budgens and Londis stores it acquired in September 2015 with its purchase of Musgrave GB. When those numbers are discounted however, like-for-like sales, including Makro dropped by -3.1%.
In a trading update Booker said that it had been impacted by deflation in food prices with many customers reporting weak consumer demand during the period.
The company added that good progress was being made on the integration of Londis and Budgens, while the outlook for profits and net cash remains in line with the guidance given at the Interim Results.
Charles Wilson, Booker Chief Executive, said: “Booker Group continued to make progress in a challenging market. Our plans to Focus, Drive and Broaden remain on track. Budgens and Londis are settling into the Group well as we continue to improve choice, prices and service for all our customers.”
Steve Fox, Managing Director, Booker Group Retail, said: “We are pleased with the progress that our retail business has made. We have continued to focus on improving choice, price and service to help our customers make more profits. The retail channels of Premier, Family Shopper and Retail Club and the integration of Londis and Budgens is going well. I would like to thank our customers for choosing Booker.”
