Wumart Stores Inc, the country's leading retail chain store operator by profits, opened 51 directly owned stores in 2012, according to its annual financial results.

The company added that it had a 3.5 percent net profit margin last year.

Last year, the retailer saw its market penetration expanded in Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang and Hebei province.

With 19 directly operated superstores and 32 directly operated mini-marts launched in 2012, its total number of stores has reached 538.

Sales rose 2.1 percent year-on-year, and total revenue rose 5.7 percent to about 17.3 billion yuan.

The company's focus on its core competitive advantages, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, is benefiting it amid the sluggish market conditions.

Next year, the company will strengthen its fresh food business and build new distribution centers and processing centers, it said.