In January–September, the retail sales before taxes of S Group’s supermarket trade totalled EUR 7,927.2 million. Compared with the corresponding period in the previous year, sales grew by 2.6 per cent. The strong momentum in the grocery trade contributed to the favourable development. Online sales development continued to outperform the market in both online grocery shopping and consumer goods at Prisma.fi.

The warm weather in September extended the consumption of seasonal summer products. For example, there was high demand for barbecue products, ice cream, various beverages, and seasonal berries and vegetables.

“We estimate that in the grocery trade, S Group’s sales growth continued to outperform the rest of the Finnish market. Well-suited selections, an affordable shopping cart and effective multichannel services are strengths of our chains. Bonus paid in cash to the customer’s account and other co-op members’ benefits are also part of the whole appreciated by our customers,” says Hannu Krook, Chief Executive Officer of SOK.

Department stores and speciality goods sales increased, driven by online sales and campaigns

S Group’s department stores and speciality goods sales amounted to EUR 192.5 million in January–September, with an increase of 0.9 per cent from the previous year. Sales at Sokos and the Emotion chain were boosted in the autumn by the 3+1 Days campaign, which set a new sales record, and the strong development of the Sokos.fi online store, among other factors. There was strong demand for cosmetics in particular, and fashion sales also picked up in the autumn, having suffered from the challenging economic cycle.

Steady development continued in service station stores and fuel sales – electric charging sales are still growing markedly

S Group’s service station stores and fuel sales in January–September amounted to EUR 1,564 million, with a decrease of 4.7 per cent from the previous year, following a decrease in the world market prices of fuels.

There was strong demand for the services provided by the ABC stations, and favourable development was seen in car wash sales and service station store and restaurant sales. Electric charging sales grew particularly strongly and have doubled from the previous year, reflecting the expanded ABC charging network and an increase in the number of electric cars on the road. The good trend in various areas of S Group’s service station stores and fuel sales has been boosted by well-functioning digital services such as ABC-mobiili, which continues to grow in popularity.

Travel industry and hospitality business sales close to the previous year’s level – a record-breaking July for hotels

Sales in S Group’s travel industry and hospitality business amounted to EUR 602.2 million in January–September, decreasing slightly from the previous year. The tight economic situation and weak consumer confidence continued to challenge the entire sector. However, the summer season and its events boosted business in hotels and restaurants. Demand was strong in S Group’s hotels in particular, and sales were at a record high in July. Demand from international tourists also grew markedly and developed better than the market in S Group’s hotels.

“Overall, our hotels and restaurants had a good summer season. We are continuously developing our network, and we will continue to be an attractive and competitive option for our domestic and international customers. Examples of recent additions to our network include the extension building of Break Sokos Hotel Bomba in North Karelia and in Helsinki Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 as well as restaurant Lasipalatsi, which complements our restaurant offering,” says Hannu Krook.

The retail sales before taxes of regional cooperative enterprises, SOK and their subsidiaries 1–9/2024

Supermarket trade includes S Group’s grocery trade and Prisma consumer goods trade. *Includes sales in Estonia.