Conviviality Retail has announced a -1.0% decline in like-for-like sales in its franchisee stores for the year to 30 April 2017, with total sales increasing 6.1%.

The Bargain Booze owner saw 39 new franchisees join the group over the year and 23 franchisees increased their store portfolios, bringing the total number of franchisees to 352 and more than 700 retail stores.

In the second half of the year franchisees enjoyed a 0.5% increase in like-for-like retail sales.

Diana Hunter, chief executive officer of parent group Conviviality, said: “I am pleased to report a strong set of results that demonstrate our focus and commitment to serving our customers well, working in partnership with our suppliers and delivering against our strategic plans.

“The balance we have created across the enlarged Group, and resilience this creates, gives us confidence in the future success of the business.

“Importantly the culture that we have created at Conviviality, with its entrepreneurial and innovative focus, remains true across the group and we firmly believe there is exciting potential for significant organic growth for our businesses, with further potential opportunities to build on the current platform.”