Booths Christmas like-for-likes hit by flooding in the North

There was a 1.4% dip during the three weeks to January 2, but total sales jumped 5.9% driven by the growth of its online business.

Home delivery up 54%

Booths, which operates stores across five regions in the North, said nationwide home delivery orders soared 54% during the period, while overall online sales – which also account for click-and-collect orders – advanced 11% year-on-year.

The upmarket grocer hailed it a “resilient” performance in a “challenging” retail market, despite being hit by widespread flooding ahead of the crucial trading period.

Adverse weather on December 5 forced the closure of its Keswick store in Cumbria. A temporary pop-up ‘essentials shop’ was opened in its place. Owing to this, Booths discounted Keswick’s figures from its like-for-like figures.

Booths noted that sales of meat game were particularly strong during the period. Game box sales rocketed 649% after being featured in its Christmas book. Overall meat sales increased 33% during the three-week period.

Sales of craft beer rose 7% and Booths own-label wines posted a 42% increase.

“The rise in demand nationwide for a Booths Christmas is particularly gratifying, confirming that Booths is a trusted brand with significant appeal outside our region”

Chris Dee

Chief executive Chris Dee said: “There’s much to be proud of at Booths this Christmas, and I’m not just talking about the financials – our people have excelled. Our teams worked with typical Northern grit to cope with the twin demands of a challenging retail climate and devastating weather conditions.

“The rise in demand nationwide for a Booths Christmas is particularly gratifying, confirming that Booths is a trusted brand with significant appeal outside our region.”