Domino's sees UK and Ireland sales grow
Stronger demand in the UK has helped Domino's Pizza UK and Ireland drive like-for-like sales up 3%, despite ongoing tough trading conditions in Ireland.
The pizza delivery company recorded a UK like-for-like sales increase of 3.7% during the 52 weeks to 25 December 2011.
Meanwhile there was a 9.2% increase in total system sales of nearly £530m, excluding Germany where it has launched new operations. Pre-tax profits were up 14.6% to £43.6m (excluding a £1.4m pre-tax loss in Germany). Operating margins increased to 20.9%.
The company opened 62 new stores during the year, with three closing, leaving it a total of 726 stories at the year end.
Commenting on the results, CEO Lance Batchelor said: "Trading has continued to be robust during the first seven weeks of 2012 with like-for-like sales for the group increasing by 3.7%.The UK stores are up 3.8% and, encouragingly, the stores in the Republic of Ireland are in positive territory, up 2.3% for the first time in three years. The consumer backdrop remains a tough one, but with record store openings and continuing appetite from our franchisees, we remain confident of the group's ability to drive both sales and profits going forward."
During the year, the firm introduced a stuffed crust option in response to rival Pizza Hut, and also released iPad and Android online order apps. Mobile platforms now account for 14% of online orders.
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By Neil Gerrard
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