Hospitality reopening sales 45% higher than in 2020, says CGA
According to the latest data from CGA and Alix Partners’ Market Recovery Monitor, drinks sales in trading venues last week were 49% higher than in the reopening week of July 2020, while food sales were up 34%
Like-for-like sales at pubs, bars and restaurants that were trading in the seven days from last Monday (12 April) were 45% higher than in the week from 4 July 2020, when they were able to resume both inside and outdoor service.
According to the latest data from CGA and Alix Partners’ Market Recovery Monitor, drinks sales in trading venues last week were 49% higher than in the reopening week of July 2020, while food sales were up 34%.
The first day of trading saw like-for-like drinks sales more than double that of the second results for April 2019, as consumers celebrated the reopening of pubs and bars.
Comparative sales eased in subsequent days, but across the week they were 10% higher than the comparable week of April 2019.
Jonny Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK & Ireland, said: “With capacity for outlets that have reopened significantly limited by outdoor only trading, like-for-like sales trends are ahead of the first week after lockdown 1 and strong against the equivalent week in 2019.
“However, with less than a quarter of outlets in England accepting guests last week, this demand has been spread over fewer venues which is driving performance for those that have reopened. So, whilst this is a good start for the sector, it’s clear that hospitality’s recovery still has a very long way to go.”
Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UKHospitality, added: “Trading in such circumstances was always likely to benefit from a welcome initial spike but the return of limited trading cannot overshadow the fact most venues remain closed.
“For any semblance of widespread viability to return to the sector, it is crucial that the Government delivers on its commitment to dropping all restrictions from 21 June.
