Just released Christmas sales figures have shown that customers are continuing to choose local co-operative convenience when shopping during the festive season.

Southern Co-op, an independent, regional co-operative with more than 200 convenience stores across the south of England, has seen a 4.7% increase in like-for-like sales in the four weeks to 29 December.

The sales increase was seen across a range of products including core lines as well as seasonal food and drink.

Whilst mince pies proved as popular as ever, other products selling well included the range of Co-op Irresistible snacks and festive bouquets.

Mark Smith, Southern Co-op Chief Executive, said, “Our teams across the business have worked hard to ensure that stores offer our communities a reliable place to pick up their essentials as well as those festive treats over the holiday period.

“We’re pleased with the sales growth over Christmas this year which builds on a solid sales performance through 2019. This reflects on going improvements in store operations and the growing popularity of the Co-op range of products we offer.

“We’re extremely grateful to all our hardworking colleagues who’ve made this possible, and to our customers for their support. It’s a strength of our co-operative model that local people can share in our success, not least, through our continued support of local causes across the south.”