Last checked at 13 Jan 2015 07:00
13 January 2015
McColl's Retail Group plc
January Trading Update
McColl's Retail Group plc (the "Group"), a leading neighbourhood retailer operating in the UK convenience and newsagent sectors, is today providing an update on trading for the 6 weeks to 11 January, 2015.
The Group continued to trade resiliently over the Christmas and New Year period, despite the on-going pressure on consumers' disposable income. Total sales were up 4.7%, with like-for-like sales1 slightly down by -0.9%.
As a neighbourhood convenience retailer, McColl's does not exhibit strong seasonal fluctuations in trading, as customers use stores to purchase everyday essentials throughout the year. However, a range of seasonal products are available, including Christmas groceries and confectionery, greetings cards, gift wrap and gift cards. This year 578 McColl's Convenience stores were open on Christmas Day, compared to 500 last year, providing last minute shopping and essential services for our customers. Amongst the top sellers on Christmas Day were milk, cranberry sauce, stuffing, foil and batteries.
Following the successful completion of McColl's Local and Main Post Office conversion project, Post Offices within the McColl's estate were open for longer hours over the period, extending the time available for our customers to complete their essential Christmas posting and other services.
In the run up to Christmas the group also acquired its 800th convenience store.
James Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer commented:
"I am delighted to announce a solid trading performance over Christmas and New Year. I would like to thank all our colleagues who have worked incredibly hard over the period to ensure we bring our customers great quality products and services at the most convenient times. I am also pleased to report the opening of our 800th convenience store, another significant milestone reached."
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Please visit www.mccolls.co.uk or for further information, please contact:
McColl's Retail Group plc + 44 (0)1277 372 916
James Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer
Jonathan Miller, Chief Financial Officer
Dave Thomas, Chief Operating Officer
Media Enquiries +44 (0)20 7404 5959
Brunswick
Alison Kay
Cerith Evans
About McColl's Retail Group
McColl's Retail Group runs the UK's largest chain of managed convenience and newsagent stores. It has 800 McColl's branded UK convenience stores and 516 newsagents and variety stores branded Martin's except in Scotland where it operates under its heritage brand, RS McColl. It is the leader in the independent managed sector, having doubled the number of its convenience stores over the last seven years. Sales in 2013 were £869m, having grown by almost £200m in the last seven years.
1 Like-for-like sales reflect sales from stores that have traded throughout the current and prior financial periods, and sales include VAT but exclude sales of fuel, lottery and mobile phone top-up.