Oxfordshire: Midcounties Co-operative reports good Christmas sales

The Midcounties Co-operative, the UK’s largest independent co-operative, which operates more than 50 stores across Oxfordshire, has reported a 3.6% increase in like-for-like sales across its food stores for the three weeks to December 31.

The member-owned organisation said that an enhanced range of unique offers, including its popular Diamond Day Discount scheme which is exclusive for its members, helped it to achieve an increased share of Christmas grocery shopping at the end of last year. The firm said another factor contributing to its increased shopper numbers and sales was the greatly improved availability of locally-produced and Co-op own-label products. Sales of the Co-op’s Best of Our Counties range, for example, increased by 42% compared to the previous year. A further significant factor was the ongoing investment programme into its stores. In 2016 the retailer began a three year £30 million store investment programme which included the development of new formats for its supermarkets and convenience stores.

Phil Ponsonby, deputy chief executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “We have been particularly pleased with the results of our new format stores which are attracting new customers and increasing the share of spend from existing shoppers. We have seen sales increases of up to 40%, which is testament to the popularity of these new format stores and improved customer service.