Cash and carry a drag for Makro owner

BOOKER Group has seen first quarter group sales increase 10%, thanks to its convenience stores as sales across its Salford-based Makro wholesale business fell.

The Makro cash and carry business saw total like-for-like sales fall almost 3% for the three months to June 17, as tobacco sales were down 7.7% like-for-like and continued to be adversely affected by the ban on small stores displaying tobacco products.  

Non tobacco sales fell by 0.7% on a like-for-like basis. These sales were impacted by deflation in food prices and many customers reporting weak consumer demand during the period, it said.

On the convenience side, it said that Premier continues to grow and it has made good progress with the integration of Budgens and Londis.

Charles Wilson, chief executive, said: “Our plans to focus, drive and broaden Booker Group are on track.  Budgens and Londis joined the group last September and are making a solid contribution.  

“We continue to enhance choice, price and service for our retail, catering and small business customers and look forward to growing with them in the year ahead.”