QD will continue its trial selling frozen foods and plans to add more new ranges to meet changing shopping habits. 

The family-run discount retailer launched the trial in September last year in six of its stores. 

It initially launched the range in shops in Dereham and Anglia Square, Norwich, as well as its Lathams of Potter Heigham outlet.

Shoppers at the participating stores were able to buy a range of frozen foods including meat products, pizzas, vegetables, and desserts. 

The Norwich-based retailer, which has more than 40 shops across Norfolk and Suffolk, said that 2023 would be "another exciting year" for the brand. 

Karl Ottolangui, group operations director at QD Group, said: "Our expansion project to increase capacity at our Snetterton distribution centre by 65% has just been completed and we’re looking forward to really utilising this new space to service stores in our Group.

Eastern Daily Press: Karl Ottolangui from QD GroupKarl Ottolangui from QD Group (Image: QD Group)

"We’ll also be celebrating the 60th birthday of Lathams of Potter Heigham this summer and launching a new Scallywags pet store at Cherry Lane in Pulham Market."

The chain has enjoyed a successful trading period in the months leading up to Christmas, with its most popular products including hot water bottles and blankets. 

QD also reported that spending on grocery items was up too as consumers looked to save money. 

Mr Ottolangui added: “While our main festive trading started a little later than the previous year, sales in December really ramped up as we got closer to Christmas.

"With money being tighter for consumers this year, we found that people were delaying their Christmas shopping until December, rather than starting in October and November as they did the year before.

“We’ve been pleased to see our market town stores have performed particularly well as people chose to shop more locally.”

He explained that gift sales were "really strong" at its stores, with many shoppers choosing to "reuse their existing Christmas decorations and lights" to save money to spend on presents and treats instead. 

The retailer reported that sales have continued to remain steady going into January.