The culmination of August — in addition to the first week of September — saw hospitality sales rise by 12% when compared to the same week in 2019.
Food like-for-likes increased by 24.5%: the highest number S4labour’s research has shown during August. Drink like-for-likes saw an increase too, however by a smaller 2.5% — a common pattern throughout August.
Week-on-week sales were less positive: there was an overall decrease of 9% in hospitality sales. Non-London sites experienced a 10% decline, whilst London experienced a 1% drop in hospitality sales. Although both site-locations were in decline, London outperforming non-London has been a rarity in recent weeks.
S4labour’s Chief Innovation Officer, Richard Hartley, commented: “after seeing August’s monthly like-for-likes outperform 2019, these like-for-likes are continuing to paint a positive picture for the hospitality industry. The next few months could certainly be challenging, however this first week of September revealing positive like-for-likes is a good start.”
