Domino's UK system sales up 10.6% over the quarter

Its new store openings and like-for-like performance have contributed strongly.

UK business' like-for-like sales growth, excluding stores in split territories, was 7.0%, driven by strong like-for-like order growth of 6.7%. The negative impact of the severe weather experienced in March was offset by a strong New Year performance and the timing of Easter.

David Wild, chief executive officer of Domino's, said, "The year has started well, with continued good growth in all of our markets. In the UK, customers are responding very positively to our clearer value proposition, with strong scores for value for money and overall satisfaction. We have also made excellent operational progress, with the rapid roll-out of GPS continuing. I am encouraged by our international operations, which are gaining scale as more customers grow to love our great tasting pizzas."

"We opened nine stores in the UK during Q1, reflecting the significant number of new openings in Q4 of 2017 which pulled forward the Q1 pipeline. By the period end, we were trading from 1,054 outlets. We continue to expect to open 65-75 UK stores during 2018," Wild added.

Switzerland achieved constant currency system sales growth of 17.6%, with like-for-like growth of 12.0% driven by successful promotions and strong online momentum.

In Iceland, constant currency system sales were up 5.5%, with like-for-like growth of 2.0%. In January 2018, the brand has completed the acquisition of a further 44.3% stake in the business.

In Norway, the conversion of Dolly Dimple's stores continues and at the period end, Domino's Pizza was trading from 33 branded outlets. Pro forma system sales from the Domino's chain were up 181.4%, with like-for-like growth of 10.3% demonstrating the strong response to the brand in the market. In Sweden, constant currency system sales in Domino's six stores were up 55.7%.

In Germany, the brand has completed the acquisition of Hallo Pizza and the integration process has begun.