Essex-based co-op society Chelmsford Star has reported a “generally positive” performance over the Christmas trading period.
Across its 40 convenience food stores, like-for-like sales rose 5% in the three weeks between 16 December and 5 January 2.
Meanwhile, the retailer’s Quadrant department stores in Braintree and Chelmsford had something of a resurgence, with an increase in gross takings of 11%, growing to 23% when looking at core turnover.
These results have been attributed to an enhanced Christmas gift offering and its accompanying marketing campaign.
Chief executive Barry Wood said, “The society’s performance reflects the sterling efforts our colleagues have put in over the Christmas period, and to be rewarded with a strong like for like performance at this key time is very pleasing.”
