Cash and carry Books sales rise

CASH and carry firm Booker has recorded an increase in sales despite admitting it is a "difficult time" for its customers.

The company, which operates two sites in Edinburgh, saw total sales rise by 2.7 per cent above last year in the 16 weeks to January 2.

The sales rise came as the company reported like-for like non-tobacco sales had increased 5 per cent.

Booker said that sales, stocks, profits and net debt remain in line with management expectations.

It also said that internet sales had increased by 169 per cent on last year, to 83 million.

Charles Wilson, chief executive at Bookers, said: "The last quarter was a difficult time for our customers – but due to our improvements in choice, price and service Booker has been rewarded with a larger share of their spend."