Buoyant convenience store sales have helped United Co-operatives achieve record profits.
Group sales in the year to January 28, 2006, rose 11% to £2.093bn, with profit up 17.1% to £56.4m. C-stores reported a 3.3% like-for-like sales increase in a year that has seen the society complete 160 refurbishments and acquisitions, taking total store numbers to 520.
Refurbishments resulted in strong performances, particularly in Ashton-on-Mersey (27%) and Fagley in Bradford (41%).
General manager of the food group, Tim Hurrell, said: “Our results demonstrate the progress made in the past three years. Acquisitions, improving store standards, stock availability and increasing our range have all helped drive up sales.”