Christmas Sales at the Hotel&Bar: A Jolly Gamble
Last week, the big players in the UK hospitality scene pulled up a fresh special edition of the Hospitality Business Tracker – a collaboration between CGA by NIQ and RSM UK that really knows its beds. The headline? 2.7 % year‑on‑year sales growth leading up to Christmas. In plain English: the top groups sold a bit more than a year ago, but not a huge leap.
Margins? Packing for the Holiday Blow‑up
With inflation sneaking past sales for most of the past year, management has been taking a middle‑ground approach. Think of it as a tightrope walk with a lemon‑zoomed-sized umbrella holding the crew.
Now, the tighten‑up comes from an expected wage hike announced for the April 2025 budget: the bigger the drink, the bigger the price tag. Stores and pubs alike will need to cushion the blow this Christmas, lurching the balance sheet to keep the doors open for 2025.
Silver Linings on a Grid‑lined Sale
- Managed bars – 20.5 % – cheers to the roaring night
- On‑the‑go food – 3.4 % – people still craving street‑food after 10 pm
- Restaurants – 2.1 % – chewing up the holiday menu
- Pubs – 0.7 % – tiny uptick, a clink of a dry pint
The Bar Buzz: Holiday Legends
Managed bars were the flashiest crowd. The trio of Christmas parties, late‑night sporting cheers, and the easy bank‑holiday timing gave them a 20.5 % upsurge. Sealed with a victory in a sector that usually takes a plunge, the sector is on a brief roll‑er coaster ride.
The Food & Drink Mix
Food‑led operators felt the bounce a smidge more – the 3.4 % rise in on‑the‑go sales was the fun snack, while restaurants were encouraging at the 2.1 % jump. Publics’ update was very mild: only 0.7 % growth, not much to brag about.
Bottom Line – Is the Christmas Party Only for Bars? Not Exactly
All in all, we can say the lights were bright for bars, the runners of the meal industry were sure of a win, but the pubs were quieter. The financials remain a tight dance, so if you’re stocking up, watch those price tags. Cheers to a festive season and a profitable year ahead!
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