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The Works achieved its “highest ever” monthly sales figure in December 2012 as it saw book sales grow by 8% in what it says is proof that “traditional paper formats continue to show resilience against digital versions".
Giving its Christmas trading statement, The Works said it saw £21m sales across its stores and e-commerce site in December, a like-for-like increase of 6% in comparison to a year earlier, and like-for-like e-commerce growth of 300%.
A spokesperson said: “This is the highest-ever monthly sales level.”
Within that, the retailer, which has over 300 stores, saw total book sales grow by 8% year-on-year, and sales growth in children’s books of 7.5%. Art books saw a 34% increase in sales in the run-up to Christmas.
Kevin Keaney, c.e.o. of The Works, said: “Our strong Christmas sales performance crowns another positive December trading period for The Works. In this tough economic climate, when many retailers are pleased to simply maintain sales, we are proud to have achieved more than 6% like-for-like growth for two consecutive Christmases.
"I’m also pleased to report that we maintained our margins throughout the month, launching our sale as planned on Boxing Day.”
He added: “Our strong performance in books shows that traditional paper formats continue to show resilience against digital versions. While e-books are an important consideration in our market, the numbers support our belief that there will always be a place for physical books, sold both online and through bricks-and-mortar stores.”
The Works began a two for £3 offer on books after Christmas.