Booths has delivered a record-breaking Christmas, posting strong sales growth across December and the key festive trading period.

The family-owned independent retailer, which has more than 20 stores in the northwest of England, reported that in December, like-for-like retail sales rose by 4.9%, while sales during the three-week period ending 3 January increased by 3.8%.

It marks the third consecutive year of record Christmas sales for Booths and represents a total sales increase of 24% over the past three years.

The retailer attributed its success to customer service, innovative products and new own-label ranges helped drive the performance.

Customer satisfaction also rose, with Booths achieving a Net Promoter Score of 80% during the key three weeks of December, up from 77% the previous year.

Managing director Nigel Murray said: “I’m delighted to report growth on growth figures for a third consecutive year. Christmas at Booths is a true team effort, 365 days in the planning and preparation.

“I’m particularly proud of the number of unique award-winning products developed and made by Booths, with the support of wonderful artisan suppliers. The quality of our offer was the best yet and as ever, was served up with the warmest of Northern welcomes.”

In particular, seasonal food ranges performed strongly, supported by the early release of the Booths Christmas Book in October, which allowed customers to pre-order festive products for in-store collection.

Like-for-like sales through this channel increased by 9.5%, with half of sales coming from Booths cardholders. Investment in supply chain technology earlier in the year also helped improve availability.

Traditional Christmas favourites proved popular, with turkey sales up 12% and pigs in blankets sales rising by 4.6 and cheese counter sales increased by 4%.

Café and hospitality sales also performed well, delivering like-for-like growth of 12.3%, while Food to Go sales increased by 9.5%. Growth was driven by festive launches including the Booths Hot Festive Baguette and a new festive sausage roll baked in-store.

Nigel Murray added: “Sharing an infectious love of great food and drink is at the very heart of the Booths ethos. I would like to thank every colleague, supplier and customer for their continued trust in Booths. We constantly strive to deliver the very best food and drink and we can be extremely proud of what we have achieved this year.”

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