Crawshaw Group continues to see strong sales and profitability growth

Crawshaw Group Plc, the fresh meat and food-to-go retailer, has seen a strong performance in trading for the 15 week period since 29th September 2015 to the 3rd January 2016.

The Rotherham-headquartered company’s sales increased by 64% in the 15 week period compared to the prior year, and are up 52% year to date.

Like-for-like sales for the same period were also up 0.8% versus the prior year, and are up 1.7% year to date.

In addition, sales growth has been converted well with cash gross margin rising 65% in the 15 week period compared to the prior year, and 55% year to date.

Due to these solid financial results, the business is aiming to open 17 new stores by the end of the current financial year, taking its total to 39, and expects that the full year results ending 31st January 2016 will be in line with market expectations.

Noel Collett, chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to be able to report such strong sales performance as our growth strategy continues to rapidly enhance sales and profitability.

“Our growth plan is progressing very well and is on track with an increase of 17 stores for the current financial year taking our portfolio to 39 stores. We are also pleased with the positive like-for-like performance in our mature stores, particularly given the disruption and challenging high street footfall patterns caused by the prolonged adverse weather conditions in the North of England. Clearly our growth is very exciting for the business and we look to the next financial year with energy and confidence”.