Jubilee and Euro 2012 boost Wetherspoon sales
The Jubilee celebrations and Euro 2012 championships were a boon for pub operator JD Wetherspoon, which enjoyed a 6.1% like-for-like sales increase for the 11 weeks to 8 July.
In a pre-close trading statement, prior to the end of the company's financial year on 29 July, JD Wetherspoon said total sales had increased 11.9%.
Like-for-like sales for the year to date (50 weeks to 8 July) have now increased by 3%, and overall company sales have increased by 9.2%.
The company said it anticipated reporting an operating margin (before exceptionals) for the second half of this financial year of around 8.5%.
Since the start of the financial year, Wetherspoon has opened 40 new pubs and closed three pubs. It plans to open 20 to 30 more in the next financial year.
JD Wetherspoon reiterates its concerns about high taxes >>
Wetherspoon in ‘reasonable' half year but warns Government over high tax burden >>
By Neil Gerrard
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