Independent retailer Booths said it has delivered a “record Christmas performance” with like-for-like retail sales increasing by 4.9% in December.

The three-week trading period ending 3rd January saw like-for-like sales increase by 3.8%, which it said was a third consecutive year of “record” Christmas sales for Booths. This also represented a 24% growth in sales over three years.

Managing Director Nigel Murray commented: “I’m delighted to report growth on growth figures for a third consecutive year. Christmas at Booths is a true team effort, 365 days in the planning and preparation. I’m particularly proud of the number of unique award-winning products developed and made by Booths, with the support of wonderful artisan suppliers. The quality of our offer was the best yet and as ever, was served up with the warmest of Northern welcomes.”

Pre-orders and collect in-store orders were up by 9.5% on the year, with 50% of sales coming from Booths cardholders, and the retailers said that investments in new supply chain technologies earlier in the year had helped to make it the “best yet” for customer availability.

Sales of the traditional British turkey were up by 12% and pigs in blankets were up 4.6%, while sales at Booths cheese counters increased by 4%.

Food to Go sales increased by 9.5%, and bakery sales were boosted by 4.6%, with sales of mince pies increasing by 5.3%.

Murray continued: “Sharing an infectious love of great food and drink is at the very heart of the Booths ethos. I would like to thank every colleague, supplier and customer for their continued trust in Booths. We constantly strive to deliver the very best food and drink, and we can be extremely proud of what we have achieved this year.”