Marston’s sales dampened by Omicron

Marston’s PLC has reported a 3.9% fall in total like-for-like sales for the 16-weeks ending 22 January 2022, compared to the same period in 2019. The group said this reflects the impact of the Omicron variant and consumer sentiment related to the variant in the last eight weeks.

Total sales declined by 3.6%, and like-for-like sales were down 8.8% in the last eight weeks of the period as a result of Government guidance, including the call to work from home and to limit social distancing.

However, like-for-like sales during the five-week period of December were 1% ahead of the market and total sales were 5% ahead, compared to the market outside the M25. Meanwhile, drinks sales have reportedly “outperformed” food sales during the period.

Prior to the emergence of Omicron and the introduction of renewed restrictions, like-for-like sales in the first eight weeks to 27 November were up 1.3%, with “encouraging trading momentum”. 

Overall, the group’s pubs in Wales and Scotland were “more significantly impacted” than those in England by the tighter restrictions that were enforced during the period.

Andrew Andrea, CEO, said: “Whilst the emergence of the Omicron variant and subsequent Government guidance temporarily impacted consumer sentiment, we remain confident that the strong trading momentum which we were experiencing prior to that will resume.

“We welcome the various plans underway to gradually ease trading restrictions in Scotland and Wales. These, together with the reduction in the required self-isolation period and anticipation of an imminent end to the work from home directive, should enable some semblance of normalised trading patterns to return.”

He added: “There is growing evidence over the most recent weeks of the New Year that consumer confidence is rebuilding, and guests are returning to our pubs in greater numbers, which is encouraging.”