Liquor Stores, a Canada-based publicly traded liquor retailer, has posted consolidated sales of C$304m ($292.7m) for the six months ended 30 June 2013, up 6.2%, as against sales of C$286.3m ($275.7m) during the comparable period in 2012.

For the second quarter (Q2) ended 30 June 2013, the company reported 5% increase in sales to C$167.7m ($161.4m) from C$156.9m ($151m) in 2012.

The increase in sales during the quarter was a result of new store expansion in Canada and the US that included opening of nine new stores since 31 March 2012.

Net earnings decreased from C$7.172m ($6.906m) in first half of 2012 to C$6.778m ($6.527m) in 2013.

For the three months ended 30 June 2013, net earnings increased to C$5.321m ($5.124m) from C$4.766m ($4.589).

Liquor Stores CEO and president Stephen Bebis said the company already has a strong platform and he plan to bring his 40+ years of retail experience to further improve the company’s sales, margins and in-store customer experience.

"These improvements will not only create shareholder value, but also better position ourselves to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities that await us in the United States," Bebis added.

"I look forward to updating shareholders on our progress in subsequent quarters."