Central England Co-op has reported particularly strong sales through its convenience stores during the Christmas period.

Like-for-like sales at the Society’s c-stores increased by 6.2% in the three weeks ending December 31 2016, ahead of overall sales growth of 4.6% for the group as a whole. Across the portfolio of stores, sales reached £46.3m for the three-week seasonal period, including the Society’s highest-ever daily total of £3.8m on Christmas Eve.

The Christmas period saw a particularly strong performance across in-store bakery and the Society’s range of beers, wines and spirits. Other high-performing categories included new seasonal product lines, including the new Co-op ‘Irresistible’ premium range, as well as floral gifts.

Martyn Cheatle, chief executive at Central England Co-operative, said: “We are proud of our strong sales figures during the Christmas and New Year period.

“This growth shines a light on the excellent range of quality products we had on offer in our stores, the expert planning that went into our festive strategy and the hard work, dedication and commitment by all of our colleagues.”

Central England Co-operative has more than 430 trading outlets across 16 counties in the Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia.

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