Fortnum & Mason has reported double-digit growth in both overall sales and like-for-likes during the Christmas trading period.
The luxury retailer saw 15% sales growth across the business and a 13% jump in like-for-likes in the five weeks to 29 December.
The performance was helped by “exceptional” 22% online sales growth, according to the trading update, but bricks-and-mortar alone also saw double-digit sales growth of 13%.
Store like-for-likes rose 9%, with the hospitality division increasing its contribution to growth.
Restaurant sales grew by 15%, or 8% on a like-for-like basis.
Online accounted for 39% of the total mix, up three percentage points on last year.
The company said product innovation drove sales across food and drink. Non-alcoholic sparkling tea accounted for one in nine sparkling drink bottles sold.
Christmas hamper sales increased 24% over the period. Other bestsellers included biscuits, up 15%, mince pies, up 13%, and puddings, up 5%. Hand-carved salmon shot up 27% while champagne rose 10%.
“Christmas at Fortnum’s means a great deal to many people, and none more so than our dedicated staff who serve an ever-increasing number of both domestic and international customers across our growing retail and hospitality business,” said Fortnum & Mason CEO Ewan Venters.
“We understand that it is our duty and privilege to keep innovating and delighting our customers all year round, and especially at Christmas, with the quality of our produce and with the highest levels of service.
“I am very pleased that our excellent Christmas trading results support that dedication and we shall keep striving to preserve and evolve the unique experience of shopping with Fortnum & Mason.”
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