JD Wetherspoon has announced a 5.6% increase in like-for-like sales for the 13-week period ending 27th April 2025, compared to the same period last year.
The pub chain also reported year-to-date like-for-like sales growth of 5.1%.
Total sales for the quarter rose by 5.0%, with year-to-date figures showing a 4.2% increase. The slight difference between total and like-for-like sales reflects the company’s disposal of seven pubs during this financial year.
Despite these closures, Wetherspoon continues its expansion plans with two new pubs that have already opened this year. The company intends to launch an additional four or five establishments before the financial year ends, with approximately ten more planned for the following year.
In a significant development, Wetherspoon has expanded its franchise operations, with four new franchise locations opening during the last quarter. All new franchise pubs are operated by Haven Holiday Parks, bringing the total number of franchise establishments to seven.
The company currently operates 795 pubs across the UK and has acquired seven freehold reversions at a total cost of £17 million in locations where it was previously a tenant.
While the headline sales number will be welcomed by investors, it’s Wetherspoon’s costs that are likely to have the biggest impact of the bottom line this year. The market will have to wait until the group’s next set of results for insight into how rising taxes and staffing costs are hitting profits.
“The company’s main ambition, as always, is to improve its appeal to staff and customers,” said the chairman of JD Wetherspoon, Tim Martin.
“In this connection, for example, the company has invested in new staff facilities in 520 pubs (49 in the current year), including staff rooms and changing rooms, with approximately 270 planned for the future. The investment per pub is approximately £100,000.
“The product range for customers continues to evolve. For example, the company has recently introduced, nationwide, the highly regarded Jaipur traditional ale from the Thornbridge Brewery, as well as renowned international beer brands, Kronenbourg 1664 Biere and Poretti.
“As regards the menu, new initiatives include a gourmet burger offer, which has proved extremely popular in the pubs in which it has been trialled.
“Bearing in mind that recent trading has been helped by favourable weather, the company anticipates a reasonable outcome for the financial year, notwithstanding previously reported wage and tax increases of approximately £1.2 million per week.”