Corks pop for Booths

Trading director Chris Dee said the figures pointed to a trend to entertain impressively at home, compensating for less disposable income to eat out over the holiday.

“Entertaining has been key to our increased performance. The figures indicate our shoppers threw a great party over Christmas and New Year. Sales of premium party food more than trebled. Champagne sales were up 32%, claret sales up 39% and regional beers saw an increase of 25%.”

Sales from specialist local producers like Holme Farm Venison and Furness Fish & Game also reported strong increases of 27% and 32% respectively, with the demand for high quality locally produced food still on the rise.

To add to the end-of-year celebrations, Booths opened two new stores in November at Salford’s Media City and Penrith.