'˜Northern grit' helps Lancashire supermarket

Overall it said sales were up 5.9 per cent but like-for-like sales were down 1.4 per cent over the Christmas trading period.

Sales held up well, it said, against the backdrop of a “challenging” retail market and unprecedented widespread flooding across Booths’ Northern heartland, which affected stores, staff and sales.

The Booths store in Keswick was badly hit by flooding in early December, but the team opened a pop-up essentials shop before Christmas to support the local community.

The retailer saw a sharp rise in Christmas home delivery orders, up 54 per cent nationwide and overall orders, including click and collect in store orders rose by 11 per cent.

CEO Chris Dee (pictured) says, “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 Booths culture comes into its own in times of need and we managed trade well, keep stores open with good availability, successfully deliver our offer nationwide and support staff, customers and communities affected by the severe weather.”

“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.”