Booker sees sales up
CASH and carry giant Booker has shrugged off what it called a “challenging environment” to post a jump in first-quarter sales.
In a challenging environment Booker has continued to grow non-tobacco sales. We remain confident a combination of Booker and Makro will improve choice, prices and services.
It said its Makro wholesale business was trading in line with expectations.
Booker, whose 172 branches across Britain serve caterers, convenience stores, grocers, restaurants and pubs, said like-for-like sales were up 2.2 per cent in the 12 weeks to March 29.
Non-tobacco sales were up 4.2 per cent while tobacco sales were down 0.9 per cent. Total sales were up 3.5 per cent at £4billion, with customer numbers rising five per cent to 504,000. Profits were “in line with expectations”, it said. Analysts predict full-year profits of around £96million.
Chief executive Charles Wilson said: “In a challenging environment Booker has continued to grow non-tobacco sales. We remain confident a combination of Booker and Makro will improve choice, prices and services.”
Booker acquired wholesaler Makro from German retailer Metro in July 2012. The Competition Commission has provisionally cleared the deal but until formal approval Booker cannot integrate the business.