McColl’s sales slip in ‘highly unseasonable summer’

The convenience specialist said like-for-likes fell 2.2% in the 13 weeks to August 25. Total sales declined 3.6% during the same period. 

McColl’s said performance during the quarter reflected a “challenging” trading environment and “poorer weather” across the summer.

In its year to date, the retailer’s like-for-likes are down 0.1%, with total revenue 1.2% behind year on year.

Despite the sales slowdown, McColl’s hailed further progress on its strategic priorities. It said availability continues to improve as it recovers from the impact of the collapse of former supplier Palmer & Harvey and builds its new supply partnership with Morrisons.

The business continued to invest in its estate and opened four new c-stores during the quarter.

McColl’s boss Jonathan Miller said: “As we outlined in our interim results, this has been a highly unseasonable summer for the retail sector and our sales performance reflects both this and the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.

“The fundamentals of the convenience channel are strong and our focus remains on good retail execution while maintaining strong capital discipline. We continue to make operational progress and we anticipate results in line with expectations for the full year.”