B&M has reported a jump in sales over the golden quarter driven by its rapid bricks-and-mortar expansion and grocery offering.
The value retailer recorded a 22.7% boost in group sales year-on-year to £969.8m in the 13 weeks to December 23, and a 3.9% increase in like-for-likes against strong comparables.
It attributed its sales growth in its more longstanding B&M stores to high demand for its grocery and FMCG brand offering. Sales across its B&M store estate rose 12.9% to £837.3m.
The value retailer opened 19 new B&M stores during the period, taking its overall bricks-and-mortar estate to 569 shops. The retailer also opened four stores for its recently acquired Heron Foods, taking the value food retailer’s store estate to 263.
Heron Foods delivered £79.8m in sales during the period as well as “strong positive like-for-like revenue growth”, which B&M attributed to selective expansion of its product offering.
The retailer’s German retail division Jawoll recorded and 8.2% rise in sales on a euro basis, up 10.4% in sterling to £52.7m.
Chief executive Simon Arora said: “B&M continues to go from strength to strength. Despite the demanding comparatives from the very strong Christmas in 2016, our buying, supply chain and retail teams achieved another outstanding performance this year by doing what we do best, which is delivering great value for customers week-in, week-out.
“With Heron also performing well and Jawoll having a solid quarter, I’m delighted with our progress and on behalf of the board I would like to thank all of our colleagues for their hard work and commitment.”
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