Booker reports 2.7% sales increase

Booker, the UK cash and carry chain, has reported a 2.7% increase in sales for the 16 weeks to 2 January 2009 on the same period last year. Total like-for-like sales were up 2.7%, consisting of a 5% increase in like-for-like non tobacco sales and 0.9% decrease in like-for-like tobacco sales. The company said profit and net debt remained in line with management expectations. "The last quarter was a difficult time for our customers - but due to our improvements in choice, price and service Booker has been rewarded with a larger share of their spend,” said Charles Wilson, Chief Executive. “We are particularly pleased with the growth of internet sales, which were up 169% on last year at GBP83 million (USD123.4 million),” he added.

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