Liquor Stores NA, a North America-based publicly traded liquor retailer, has reported increase in consolidated sales by 6.5% to CAD630.1m ($613.3m) for the full year ended 31 December 2012, as against sales of CAD591.5m ($575.7m) for the comparable period in 2011.

In the fourth quarter (Q4) ended 31 December 2012, consolidated sales were up 6.6% to CAD179.4m ($174.6m) from CAD168.2m ($163.7m) in the same period last year.

The increase in consolidated sales for the year was mainly due to same-store sales increases in both Canada and the US, and increase in the number of the company’s store count.

In 2012, the company added a total of 10 new stores in Alberta, British Columbia and Kentucky, and 15 new stores since the beginning of Q4 2011.

The 10 new stores opened in 2012 include one large-format Liquor Barn store in Kentucky opened in December 2012 and two new concept/large-format liquor stores branded as ‘Wine and Beyond’ in Alberta opened in September 2012.

The increase in store count number was mainly due to execution of the company’s new growth strategy.

Liquor Stores NA board of directors chairman and interim CEO Jim Dinning said they have well executed their growth plan in 2012 by adding ten new stores, including one in the US and two stores branded ‘Wine and Beyond’ in Canada.

"Wine and Beyond, which has the largest selection of wine, beer and spirits in Canada, has exceeded our expectations and has been well received by our customers," Dinning added.

"These destination-type stores differentiate us from our competitors and are a cornerstone of our plan to drive sales, improve profitability and deliver shareholder value."