Scotmid delivers strong half-year result

In addition, the retailer reported that its turnover increased by £6.7m to £197m.

John Brodie, chief executive of Scotmid Co-op, said: “This result was heavily influenced by changes in consumer behaviour as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. We adapted quickly to the new ways of trading/working during the pandemic and this was achieved for our diverse set of businesses.

“Our food convenience business benefitted from more customers choosing to shop locally. Despite record sicknesses levels and social distancing requirements, our front-line colleagues, support teams and supply chain responded to the unprecedented demand levels and continued to serve our communities through the peak of the crisis. Positive feedback was overwhelming in appreciation for the store teams”

He added: “Last year I highlighted the importance of our continuous improvement philosophy to help guide the society through the considerable challenges faced from global events, particularly Covid 19.  In this financial year-to-date the society has successfully applied this approach to serve our communities in their time of need. We have responded in a timely but measured way to the new Covid-19 world but have been flexible, learning from the outcomes and adapting plans accordingly.

“This, however, is only the starting point because as government support is withdrawn, the recession is likely to be prolonged, not helped by the uncertainty caused by the Brexit transition. So looking ahead to an uncertain second half of the year, it is more important than ever for Scotmid to focus on matters under our control and deliver our core purpose of serving our communities and improving peoples’ everyday lives.”