Russian retailer Dixy has booked an 89.5% jump in first-half sales, which were boosted by its merger with local rival Victoria Group and store openings.

In a statement released today (25 July), the company said first-half sales rose to RUB70.9bn (US$2.16bn). Dixy acquired Victoria last June.

On a pro-forma basis, including Victoria's results from the start of 2011, sales increased 20.7%, the company said.

First-half like-for-like sales rose by 4.49%. This increase was driven by a 5.04% increase in basket size, which more than offset a 0.52% decrease in traffic.

Looking to the full year, Dixy said that pro-forma sales - which are adjusted to take into account the Victoria acquisition - are expected to grow by 20-25%.