Marston’s sales up 2% as pub refurbs gather pace ahead of Q4
The group said its focus on margin expansion through revenue management, labour and procurement improvements was continuing to deliver results
Marston’s has reported a 2% rise in like-for-like sales for the 41-week period to 12 July, with the group continuing to roll out new formats across its estate ahead of the final quarter.
For the 15-week period to 12 July, like-for-like sales rose 2.9% compared with the same period last year, despite strong comparators from the Euro 2024 football tournament. Excluding the impact of England matchdays in the prior year, sales were 4% higher.
The group, which operates more than 1,300 pubs in the UK, said its focus on margin expansion through revenue management, labour and procurement improvements was continuing to deliver results.
Marston’s has refurbished 26 pubs under its new brand formats so far, including 21 under the Two Door brand and five Grandstand sites.
A further five Woodie’s Family Pubs are due to open before the end of July, putting the business on track to exceed its target of 30 refurbishments in the current financial year.
Marston’s expects strong trading in the fourth quarter, supported by a pipeline of events, the continued rollout of its Order and Pay service, and ongoing cost efficiencies.
As a result, the group is confident it will meet its full-year profit expectations.
Capital expenditure is expected to reach about £60m this year, in line with guidance, as it invests in estate development, digital upgrades and guest experience.
Justin Platt, chief executive of Marston’s, said: “We’re excited about the momentum we’re building throughout the business, with our performance enhanced by a strong pipeline of demand-driving events, continued growth from Order and Pay and our ongoing revenue management initiatives.
“We’ve made excellent progress against our strategic priorities so far this year, delivering improved margin performance, strong cash generation and the roll-out of our new pub formats.”
He added: “This momentum and our disciplined execution across the business gives us great confidence for the future, and we remain firmly on-track to deliver on full-year market expectations.”
