Caltex Australia, which owns the heavily-franchised convenience brand Star Mart, has reported a good first half year ending June 30 2009.

Non-fuel income has continued to grow, with total average weekly sales from the Caltex convenience store network increased 4.3 percent year on year.

Caltex acting national manager retail, John Dulgaro told Franchising “Average weekly sales growth has been driven by beverage category growth, new fresh bakery and coffee offer, effective in-store promotions and ensuring that essential items such as bread and milk are well stocked at all times. This has been supported by consistent in-store execution across our retail network, facilities upgrades and 21CC new store openings.”

Dulgaro said a number of stores had been upgraded and new stores had also been opened in the first half of the financial year. “The majority of these have been 21CC stores, with our first franchised 21CC store opening in Melbourne.

“Shop sales will continue to grow as we move into the warmer months of 2009. Our convenience offer will continue to evolve and our value positioning will meet the needs of customers moving from tough to better times as the economy begins to recover. We will continue to attract high value convenience customers to our new 21CC stores and other recently upgraded stores throughout our network.”