JD Wetherspoon announces positive trading

6th May 2009, 10:09am

High street pub chain JD Wetherspoon has announced total company sales up 4.7%, during the thirteen weeks ending 26th April 2009.

In a statement the company said: "Exact comparisons with last year are difficult as a result of a higher level of marketing activity a year ago. However, our recent Beer Festival, for example, featuring real ales from Britain and other countries, was the busiest ever with sales of over 3.2 million pints. Our sales of £2.99 meals are continuing at high levels and the recently introduced Sailor Jerry rum is now our third highest selling spirit.

"Marketing costs were lower in the period than last year, and we also benefited from greater labour productivity, helped by improved staff retention and generally strong cost controls."

For the 13 weeks to 26th April 2009, like-for-like sales increased by 0.5% and year-to-date like-for-like sales increased by 1.4%.

The financial year so far has seen the opening of 28 new pubs with 38 new sites now expected to open this financial year.

Wetherspoon added: "Our sales, profit and cash flow have been resilient. The combination of improved costs, lower interest charges and reduced capital expenditure on new openings is anticipated to be beneficial for future prospects. We are therefore slightly more positive regarding the company's prospects for the current financial year."

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• 06 Apr 2011 - Wetherspoon pub group applauded for corporate responsibility standards
• 11 Mar 2011 - Sales and profits at JD Wetherspoon are at record levels, says Chairman Tim Martin
• 04 Nov 2009 - JD Wetherspoon sees an 'encouraging start' to first financial quarter
• 14 Sep 2009 - JD Wetherspoon introduces new drinks across all pubs
• 11 Sep 2009 - JD Wetherspoon reports record sales
• 13 May 2009 - JD Wetherspoon gets saucy with Levi Roots
• 07 May 2009 - Best of both worlds at Wetherspoon pubs
• 01 May 2009 - Wetherspoon only pub listed in Britain's Top Employers
• 13 Mar 2009 - Taxation on pubs has gone too far, says Wetherspoon
• 06 Feb 2009 - Wetherspoon opens third pub at Birmingham International
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• 23 Jan 2009 - 99p pint is a 'disappointment'
• 20 Jan 2009 - JD Wetherspoon cuts back on expenditure

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