Christmas and New Year results success sees Central England Co-op bucking the industry trend

Posted by rob smyth | Published: 16/01/2020


Central England Co-op can today announce a 3.5% increase in sales over the Christmas and New Year period.

The Society, which has over 240 food stores across 16 counties, recorded growth for the key three festive trading weeks ending 4 January – outperforming many competitors and the market as a whole.

Community-based convenience stores traded particularly well, with Central England Co-op also enjoying a bumper Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve thanks to the support of its customers and members.

Increased sales were achieved in fresh produce and protein ranges, food to go sandwiches and party food such as pizzas and ice cream.

These sales results were also supported with an overwhelming public response to the Retailer’s

first ever Christmas Toybox Appeal. This saw over 12,000 brand new toys being donated by customers and members. These presents were then given to 25 good causes such as food banks and hospitals who gifted them to youngsters in need.
Central England Co-op’s annual Christmas Food Bank Appeal also enjoyed success with over 40,000 items donated – ranging from snacks and treats to toiletries – creating over 20,000 meals for people in local communities.

Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive at Central England Co-operative, said: “I am delighted to say that the hard work and commitment of our colleagues, coupled with great products and planning, has allowed us to record positive sales figures over the festive period.

“Our Christmas success, alongside a solid performance during 2019, will ensure that during 2020 we will be able to continue to share our success by supporting great local good causes and making a positive impact in our local communities.

“I would like to thank all colleagues, customers and members for their support during this very busy period and also for their efforts in helping us to spread the festive cheer with the amazing results of our Christmas Food Bank Appeal and Christmas Toybox Appeal.”

Notes to editors

Picture caption: Central England Co-op Chief Executive Debbie Robinson.

About Central England Co-operative

 

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. 

 

It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, travel shops, and property investment.

 

Central England Co-operative has over 430 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2020.

 

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports several charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

 

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.

Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

 

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative

 

Rob Smyth and James Brindle at Central England Co-operative on 01543 421390

 

Email –publicrelations@centralengland.coop