Pub operator J D Wetherspoon plc (JDW.L) reported Wednesday that like-for-like sales for the 12 week- period, for the second-quarter to date, were 4.6 percent higher than the same period a year ago. LFL sales for the main Christmas period, the three weeks from December 16, 2024 to January 5, were up 6.1 percent.
In its update on current trading, the company reported that in the 25 weeks to January 19, LFL sales were 5.1 percent higher than the same period a year ago. Bar sales increased 4.5 percent, food sales grew 5.6 percent and slot/fruit machines went up 11.7 percent. Meanwhile, Hotel room sales decreased 6.5 percent.
Total sales in the year-to-date period grew 4 percent, slightly less than LFL sales, due to a small number of disposals.
In the year-to-date, the company has opened two pubs - in Marlow, Buckinghamshire and at London Waterloo station.
Further, the company plans to open a total of nine pubs in the year, and a further 4 franchised pubs will open at Haven Holiday Parks, bringing the total number of franchises to 7.
Looking ahead, Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said, "From 1 April 2025 labour-related costs at Wetherspoon will increase by around £60 million per annum..... The company is confident of a reasonable outcome for the year, although forecasting is more difficult, given the extent of the increased costs."
J D Wetherspoon is scheduled to release its results for the six months ending January 26 on March 21.
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