Wine retailer Majestic claims to have delivered its best-ever Christmas trading performance after attracting thousands of new customers during the period.
The company recorded an 8.1% uplift in total sales over the eight weeks to 25 December, boosted by the opening of six new stores during 2023 and the strong performance of its growing B2B division.
Retail sales grew compared to the same period the prior year, as Majestic’s stores served 63,000 new customers. Sales to on-trade operators also surged after Majestic Commercial delivered to 2,300 pubs, bars, restaurants and hospitality venues across the UK.
Friday 22 December was said to be the biggest day of trading in Majestic’s 43-year history, with consumers leaving it late to stock up on wines, beers and spirits for the season. Fine Wine sales rose by more than 13% as customers traded up over Christmas and New Year.
The Christmas performance rounds off another year of progress for Majestic, following its separation from Naked Wines and acquisition by Fortress Investment Group in December 2019. During 2023, Majestic invested in new stores, refurbishing its existing estate, improving its IT systems, and introducing electric delivery vehicles.
Majestic’s CEO, John Colley, commented: “This was a record-breaking Christmas for Majestic in which we achieved higher sales and served more customers than ever before. Even during tougher times when consumers’ budgets are tight, it’s clear that customers trust Majestic’s quality, range, expertise and customer service – particularly at important occasions like Christmas.”
He added: “2024 is shaping up to be another difficult year for consumers with further increases in the cost of living, but our focus remains on doing what we do best – offering quality, unique products and helping even more customers discover fantastic wines, beers and spirits. We have a strong balance sheet and will continue to invest in growth, with more exciting new stores planned this year, starting with Marlow and Christchurch in the Spring.”
NAM Implications:
- Encouraging…
- i.e. if Majestic were ok…
- …hope for the rest.
