Central England Co-operative reveals surprises among New Year shoppers’ baskets
Posted by stephanie forrester | Published: 27/12/2018
The latest research by Central England Cooperative has revealed customers’ favourite shopping basket items at New Year, with some surprising results.
The move from a period of indulgence towards a final celebration before people start their New Year’s resolutions is reflected in the range of products snapped up by shoppers.
For the final fling of the party season, wine was up there with the most frequently bought items, along with bottled water and limes (to top off that must-have G&T), ensuring there is an enjoyable tipple for every guest.
Crisps, a perennial party snack, were also top of the list, but it appears customers’ tastes are changing, with the desire for spice meaning sales heated up for Walkers Sunbites Sun Riped Sweet Chilli crisps (£1 for 6) and Walkers Max Paprika Crisps (150g £2) as well as for traditional favourites such as Co-op Salt and Vinegar Crisps (6 x 25g, 90p).
Among non-food items, batteries were up there in the top 10 for those going into stores between 30 December and 2 January, perhaps because those battery-powered Christmas toys have been played with so much!
Central England Co-operative shoppers also love flowers at New Year, either as gifts for those who are hosting a party or as a way to brighten up the home, with fresh flowers symbolising the coming of spring and a fresh start.
Many people will be seeing in 2019 with a whimper rather than a bang, as December and January are also the season for colds and flu. Increased sales of cold remedies last year reflected this, along with painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, perhaps also being bought by those who enjoyed the celebrations a little too much!
New Year’s resolutions often involve a determination to be more healthy and sales of winter vegetables, salad items and ‘health food’ including low calorie, low fat and low sugar versions of everyday items increase significantly at this time of year.
However, the research also revealed that not everybody is quite ready for their health kick before 2 January, and the biggest surprise uncovered was that, in the four days over New Year in 2017, Central England Co-operative sold over 6,000 Cadburys Crème Eggs. Not only that, sales were up by 16% in the period in 2017 compared to the previous year, which goes to show, customers are looking forward to spring, warmer times, and the next big event in the annual calendar.
Notes to editors
About Central England Co-operative
Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK.
It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, and property investment.
Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2018.
Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility. It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence. The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.
Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.
Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop
For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative
Rob Smyth at Central England Co-operative on 01543 414140
Email – publicrelations@centralengland.coop