Midlands Co-operative Society, one of the region’s largest employers, has announced strong trading over the Christmas period.

During the three weeks to 5 January 2013, the Society which operates nearly 200 food stores and employs around 7,500 people across the Midlands, enjoyed robust trading across its food stores, with like-for-like food sales (excluding fuel) up 2% compared to last year.  In addition, the Society reported very healthy total business sales figures (up 9.8%) during the period as a result of its growth and acquisition activity.

Sales of seasonal products were particularly strong with 283, 500 boxes of mince pies, 22, 000 packs of sprouts and 11,000kg of parsnips sold across the stores.  The Society’s Fashion and Home business continued to be affected by ongoing market pressure (like for like sales down 10.7%).

Chief Executive, Martyn Cheatle, said: “The busy festive period is a key time for retailers and it is very pleasing to be able to announce that, once again, Midlands Co-operative has improved its sales performance in our core food business compared to last year.  The ongoing economic difficulties continue to present all businesses with challenges and our fashion and home business has come under particular pressure as a result of this.  However, we are confident that our clear strategy for growth combined with the hard work and commitment of colleagues and support of our members and customers will continue to enable Midlands Co-operative to grow and prosper.”

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