Domino's sees strong first-quarter sales, despite snow
Pizza delivery company Domino's enjoyed strong like-for-like sales in the 13 weeks to 31 March 2013, despite the snowy weather.
The firm, which has stores in the UK, Germany, the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland, saw system sales rise by 12.3% to £164.1m (2012: £146.2m) driven by strong like-for-like sales growth in the latter part of the quarter.
Like-for-like sales in the UK in 670 mature stores increased by 6.6% (2012: 4.1% in 615 mature stores) thanks to sales of new products such as the Domino's Hot Dog Stuffed Crust, a short-term price-led promotion and some weaker comparative figures owing to warmer weather last year. Like-for-like sales, in euros, in the Republic of Ireland rose by 8.1% (2012: 1.5%).
A total of 61.9% of all UK delivered sales (2012: 49.8% of UK delivered sales) now come in via the internet. Sales taken through all online platforms were up 38.4% to £82.4m (2012: £59.5m) and, of this, 25.2% was taken through a mobile device (2012: 16.4%).
Chief executive officer Lance Batchelor said: "We know that the ongoing economic pressures are leading to a tough trading environment and we have extremely tough comps in the second quarter to overcome as well as food cost increases coming through during the year, but, with first-class franchisees and a strong head office team, I expect, at this early stage in the year, that trading will be in line with market expectations for 2013."