Greggs total sales rises 5%
The bakery chain also reported like for like sales growing 4.9% in the 13 weeks to 3 October 2015.
“In the year to date like-for-like sales have increased by 5.6 per cent. Total sales grew by 5.0 per cent in the 13 weeks and have grown by 5.1 per cent in the year to date,” the company said.
“Product initiatives across the day combined with our great value deals continue to drive increased customer visits and transaction values. The extension of our Balanced Choice range to include improved own-label drinks with no added sugar has proved popular with customers.”
“With colder weather approaching we have relaunched our hot food menu with a range of delicious soups and hot sandwiches. New additions to the menu include the Mildly Spiced Chicken Curry Soup and Peri Peri Chicken Flatbread, both of which are part of our Balanced Choice range. Other additions to the hot menu include the Aberdeen Angus Spicy Meatball Melt Baguette. Our seasonal range for Halloween is back in shops, including the popular Bat Biscuit and Spooky Ring Bun.”
The brand reported 158 completed shop refurbishments in the period, on track to complete the 200 targeted shops by the end of the year. There are also 20 bakery cafes converted to the bakery food on the go format.
There were 65 new Greggs outlets in 2015, including 35 franchised units predominantly in transport locations, while 47 shops have closed, giving a total of 1,668 shops trading at 6 October (comprising 1,588 of company-owned shops and 80 franchised units).
“Our work with franchise partners is extending the Greggs offer to previously inaccessible locations, particularly transport sites. Our relationship with Euro Garages Limited has so far led to the development of Greggs outlets in 30 of their forecourt sites. We have now agreed to extend this to a further 27 sites that are undergoing refurbishment in the fourth quarter. As a result we now expect our shop numbers for the full year to increase by a net 50-60 overall,” the company said.
“Our sales performance is slightly ahead of our previous plan and, whilst comparatives will stiffen further in the fourth quarter, sales will benefit from additional shop openings. As a result we expect to deliver good growth for the year, slightly ahead of our previous expectations, and further progress against our strategic plan.”
