Fortnum & Mason has experienced a “highly successful” Christmas period with sales up 16%.
Results for the five weeks to 5 January 2014 showed that like-for-like (LFL) sales, excluding the new store at St Pancras, showed a 13.4% increase.
Sales at the company’s Piccadilly store increased by 7.4%, while online revenue was up 26.4%.
Sales of Christmas biscuits were up 39%, mince pies 29% and Christmas puddings saw a 13% increase.
Fortnum & Mason’s annual results show that, for the year to July 2013, sales were £65m, up 10% on the previous year. Profit before tax was reported as £1.8m, a “five-fold increase” on 2012, according to the company.
Sales of its hampers were up 15%, providing the group with the best hamper sales in its 307-year history.
Fortnum & Mason linked the successful festive period with the “significant investment” in the Piccadilly store last year, which it says enhanced customer service. Trading at the St Pancras store, which opened last November, “significantly exceeded expectations”.
Ewan Venters, chief executive, said: “Christmas at Fortnum’s was one of the best yet, both in terms of sales and customer satisfaction. The demand for more bespoke luxurious items, together with the Christmas staples, is at an all-time high, suggesting consumers still want to treat themselves during the festive period.
“We continue to invest in the business to provide our customers with the best possible experience, both in our stores and online - another area of significant year-on-year growth.”
The company added that, following its Christmas performance, it is looking forward to the launch of its new stand-alone store in Dubai, as well as investment in its digital offering.
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