Sales in the group’s managed pub division were up 6.3% against 2021 for the period of 21 May to the 3 September, and up 30% on 2019 figures. It attributes the growth to what it says has been an encouraging performance on drinks, a ‘robust’ performance on food, which it says was only slightly negative - down 1.6% - due to the variance in VAT rates year on year, and record sales in accommodation, which was up 5.7%.
The company has also reported an ‘encouraging recovery’ in Guernsey and Jersey, with it having benefited from strong tourist demand and a gradual return to office working in St Helier, Jersey. Total like-for-like sales in Guernsey rose 16.7% during the 16-week period.
“We have not been immune to some of the inflation pressures that others have seen within the sector, but believe we are better placed and prepared to manage, mitigate and avoid where possible and balance the need to deliver value for money to our customers whilst also protecting our P&L,” says the group.
The group says it has also more than doubled its loyalty membership from 65,000 in 2019 to more than 131,000 members to date and has a customer database of 265,000 customers that it targets for elements including its outdoor cinema nights, room offers, supper clubs and loyalty Wednesday food off.
Its order and pay app has had more than 1.7 million users in the past 12 months.
Responding to the Government’s announcement on energy prices last week, Liberation says it welcomes the support that ‘provides some reassurance for our customers’. However, it is calling on the Government for further support, including longer term utility support and actions to reduce VAT and suspend business rates
“Despite the obvious headwinds for our customers and ourselves, we are confident in our ability to deliver a fantastic Christmas for our customers and ongoing investment into our business is testimony to the belief in our teams and in the potential for our business over the next few years,” it adds.