Booker converts 100th 'Extra' site

Wholesaler Booker has converted its 100th site into a Booker "Extra", with plans to complete another 20 sites by April 2011.

The company started a conversion programme of its 172 sites in 2005 and has hit 100 sites, with the revamp of its Reading outlet.

Key changes include the colour scheme and PoS changed to orange from blue, new trollies introduced for catering customers and more space given to catering products. A choice of more than 1,100 extra products is now on offer, more focus is given to fresh produce such as butchery and greengrocery and opening hours are extended, including to 4pm at weekends. The company is also trialling customers' self-scanning products in three sites. One store now has a greengrocery room.

Booker turned over £1bn in catering sales in the past year and is continuing to grow its national accounts business with pub customers, now including Admiral Taverns, Enterprise Inns, S&N Pub Company, Charles Wells and Robinsons.

Internet sales continue to increase with total sales of £407m, up from £250m last year. There are now 600,000 customers registered online to view product range and prices available at their local Booker and place orders. The site features a price checker for customers to view prices of 300 products against Brakes and 3663.

The company reported a total sales increase in the 12 weeks to 18 June of 4.9%. Fresh department sales of fruit and vegetables were up 60% and meat up 11%.

Now the UK's largest catering butcher, Booker was crowned Wholesaler of the Year 2010 in The Grocer Gold Awards.