Reopening sales down 24% compared with 2019, says CGA
With the majority of sites still closed, total sales last week overall were 57% down compared with the same period in April 2019
Like-for-like sales for the reopening week starting 12 to 18 April 2021, were down 24% from the same period two years ago, according to the latest figures from the Coffer CGA Business Tracker.
With the majority of sites still closed, total sales last week overall were 57% down compared with the same period in April 2019.
Like-for-like sales in managed drink-led pubs declined by 11% year-on-year, and 22% in pub restaurants. Additionally, the group-run restaurant segment recorded a 34% drop, whilst like-for-like sales were at its lowest for bars, dropping 37%.
The tracker also showed that around two in five (39%) group venues were open for on-site dining and drinking last week, though some other venues were operating for takeaways and deliveries.
However, trading capacity was at its highest in drink-led pubs (44%) and restaurant (43%) segments, and lower amongst pub restaurants (27%) and bars (25%).
Karl Chessell, business unit director, hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA, said: “Pubs benefited from the widespread sunshine and the eagerness of consumers to drink out again after so long at home.
“However, it’s important to remember that managed groups have so far been unable to open well over half of their pubs, restaurants and bars in England, and none at all in Scotland and Wales, and some consumers remain cautious about going out.”
He added: “Total sales will be far off pre-pandemic levels for some time to come, and businesses will need support from local and central government as they embark on the long road to recovery.”
