Scotmid reveals “significant but varying” impact of pandemic

By Liz Wells in Industry News 16th April 2021

Scotmid Co-op Society, which operates 177 convenience stores across Scotland, has reported a £24m increase in turnover to £409m for the 53 weeks ended 30 January.

In addition, the retailer posted a £6.4m trading profit for the 53 week period, compared to £5.6m a year earlier.

John Brodie, chief executive of Scotmid Co-op, said: “This was a year dominated by the pandemic and the significant, but varying impact it has had on our different businesses. Changes in consumer behaviour during the pandemic resulted in an increase in local essential shopping in Scotmid’s food convenience stores. Customers visited less frequently, spent more each visit, but the costs of operation were significantly more than usual.

“I was heartened by the overwhelming appreciation we received from our communities for Scotmid’s front-line colleagues and support teams who continued to serve our communities through the peak of the crisis.”

Scotmid also operates post offices in Scotland and has nine Lakes & Dales co-operative stores across Cumbria and County Durham.