Dutch retailer Plus has posted a 5.4% increase in turnover in full-year 2019, to €2.61 billion.
Commenting on the group's performance, chief executive Duncan Hoy described 2019 as a "valuable year" for the group, in which growth exceeded that of the Dutch market average (of 4%) for the sixth year in a row.
"In 2019 we determined our new business plan and the course for the next three years," he commented.
Growth at the business was boosted by the switching of six retailers to the Plus formula, while 13 stores were converted to Plus' 'Brilliant 2.0' concept, which means that a total of 28 stores are now operating under the format.
The Brilliant 2.0 format places increased focus on fresh products, convenience and special offers, according to the retailer.
E-commerce sales grew by 33% in 2019, the retailer added.
Price Campaign
Last year, the group introduced a new price focused campaign, Laagblijvers (Low Stayers), which saw the prices of certain fruit and vegetable products permanently reduced; another factor that has helped the group increase its sales in 2019.
Hoy added that the group is seeking to be successful on two fronts – firstly by offering "quality, fair and sustainable" food, and secondly, by offering locally-sourced food sold at locally-owned stores.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
