Hospitality sales bounced this month with an increase of 3.2% across the sector. Both London and non-London sites saw wet-led growth, totaling a 5.5% growth which was to be expected as many poured into pubs to catch the World Cup. The capital saw the most uplift, as figures lifted by 11.8% compared to November 2021, albeit against a low base point.
October marks the second month in a row of a significant drop in Hospitality sales. Compared to the same period in 2021 sales were down 7.1% (September -6.9%), this is despite a better trading week over half term of -1.5%. These figures show a downtrend in consumer confidence as the cost of living crisis bites. London fared better with a decline of only 0.9%, albeit up against weak trading in 2021.
Richard Hartley, Chief Innovation Officer at S4labour, commented: “It is worrying to see two consecutive months of decline in hospitality spending which feels like a combination of cost pressures felt through the current crisis. Operators should take heart from the better performance at the end of the month suggesting consumers are saving for big events especially with the World Cup and Christmas coming up.”
Hospitality sales faltered last month with like-for-like turnover down by 6.9% versus the same period in 2021. The biggest contributor to this figure was food sales, which saw a drop of 12.7% this year.
London saw an increase of 8.9%, albeit, largely owing to a modest base point in 2021, when much of the Capital was still experiencing low footfall as a result of at-home working.
Richard Hartley, Chief Innovation Officer at S4labour, commented: “These are a sobering set of figures. This is the first significant indicator of a change in out-of-home eating and drinking habits and is a significant concern for our industry.”
Hospitality sales during May increased by 10% on 2021 levels.
Wet-led sales were up 16.5%, while dry-led sales were still up but by a smaller 4.5%.
Sites in London experienced high growth as sales improved by 30%; non-London based sites also saw a rise of 7% on May 2021 levels. London’s increase may be a result of restrictions in 2021 causing dampened sales, given there was limited outside space in London for hospitality sites.
It is important to note sales in May 2021 were during Covid-19. S4labour have ensured the data includes sites who could operate outdoors as well as indoors during May 2021.
Richard Hartley, Chief Innovation Officer at S4labour, said: “This last month has seen the struggles of staff shortages, inflation and energy costs continue to bring challenges for the sector. Although the increase for London is positive, the figures show just how much Covid-19 affected the Capital from a sales perspective.”
Data from S4labour shows that hospitality sales during April increased by 3.7% on 2019 levels (pre-Covid-19).
Dry-led sales experienced the most growth with a 7% rise on 2019 levels; wet-led sales still grew but by a smaller 1%.
Sites outside of London were up 3.7% in sales last month, whilst London sites’ sales increased by a similar 3.5%.
Richard Hartley, S4labour’s Chief Innovation Officer, said: “The overall increase in April’s sales will have been a small positive for some food focused businesses. However, the ongoing difficulties surrounding recruitment is proving to be extremely challenging for the sector, and potentially stinting sales growth for some businesses.”
Hospitality sales figures during February increased by 4% when compared to the same month in 2020. It is important to note that, in February 2020, there were some declines in sales due to public anxiety surrounding Covid.
Sites based within London experienced lower sales than February 2020. Both wet and dry-led sales declined by 8% and 7% respectively.
Non-London based sites saw a large 13% increase in dry-led sales, with stable wet-led sales compared to February 2020.
Richard Hartley, S4labour’s Chief Innovation Officer, said: “After 2 full months of trading following a tough festive period, to see another positive month of sales reveals some form of stability for the sector. The sector will benefit from the lifting of Covid restrictions, however the rise in VAT coming in April is causing concern for all operators.”