Local grocery operator Big C has posted retail sales up 1.5% in 2009.

Operating profit at the Casino-owned group jumped 19.8%, while net profit climbed 16.3% to Bt1.07bn (£21.8m) and net sales rose 1.1% to Bt68.06bn (£1.39bn).

The retailer said the performance was driven by better purchasing conditions, cost savings and the decrease of financial costs resulting from the reduction in net debt.