Pub group Fuller’s confident on Christmas after London recovery drives sales
Nov 17 (Reuters) – Fuller, Smith & Turner (FSTA.L) said it was confident customers would keep flocking to its pubs this Christmas despite the challenging economic environment, after tourists and commuters returned to London, driving sales higher.
Many of Britain’s hospitality businesses are fighting to survive this winter as energy and staff costs rise while high inflation erodes consumer disposable incomes. But so far Fuller’s has defied the downturn, helped by its large exposure to central London.
Comparable sales rose 20% in the six months to Sept. 24 compared with the prior year, with a 67% jump in central London.