The latest figures from S4labour show another encouraging month for UK hospitality, with overall like for like sales up 5.5% in January compared to the same period last year.
This builds on the momentum seen in December, when sales rose 3.4%. London delivered another strong month of trading, with an 8.3% uplift in like for like sales. Trading outside the capital also remained firmly positive, with non London regions reporting a 4.5% increase year on year.
Richard Hartley, chief growth officer at S4labour, said the figures point to sustained consumer demand as operators move through the early part of the year, despite the well known challenges that typically accompany the post Christmas trading period. He added:
“January like-for-like sales are always a good litmus test of consumer confidence and these numbers are encouraging. Those with a keen eye will be aware there is an additional Saturday in this year’s numbers, which will have inflated the position slightly, but nonetheless, operators should be buoyed by these numbers.”
