J D Wetherspoon plc (JDW.L) reported that like-for-like sales in the first 14 weeks of the fiscal year were 5.9% higher than last year. Bar sales increased by 5.7%, food by 5.7% and slot/fruit machines by 13.5%. Hotel room sales decreased by 2.0%. The company noted that 14 weeks to 3 November 2024 comprised first quarter and a further week. Total sales were up 4.6% in the year to date period, less than LFL sales, as a result of a small number of pub disposals.
Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: "The company is confident of a reasonable outcome for the year, although forecasting is more difficult given the extent of the increased costs."
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