Brobot increases sales by 16.5% following refurb programme

Londis-branded forecourt retailer Brobot Petroleum has posted a 16.5% jump in full-year sales.

The retailer, which is 14th on The Grocer's Top 50 ranking of independent grocery retailers, grew sales from £127m to £145m in the year to 31 March, according to accounts filed at Companies House this week. Pre-tax profits jumped 6.8% to £1m.

In the accounts, the directors said the sales surge was down to a 6% increase in fuel volumes as well as the opening of its 20th site, in Royston, south Yorkshire. Non-fuel sales were also up, despite the economic climate.

"We are continuously improving our shops and looking at new ways in which to improve our offer to customers," the directors said. "Our Bunny store had a £100,000 redevelopment, which is returning increased shop sales in excess of our expectations. Other stores are being refurbished as part of our ongoing programme to maximise non-fuel sales and make our stores a destination of choice rather than just convenience."

Brobot's subsidiary Harborough Developments, which owns petrol stations, posted a 6% sales increase during the period, with profits 8% ahead of target.

Brobot said it had taken 18 months to turn around the performance of sites owned by Harborough and major development was underway at its Corby site to increase floor capacity threefold and maximise the high footfall of the site. The redevelopment is expected to be completed by late summer.