Domino’s like-for-likes up 18.5%

Domino’s Pizza Group has reported periods of “exceptional sales”, with like-for-like system sales up 18.5%.

In a trading update for the 13-week period from 28 December 2020 to 28 March 2021, Domino’s reported trading in the first quarter had been strong, particularly over the new year period.

UK & Ireland system sales were £371.3m, up 18.7% on the first quarter of last year, which was largely unaffected by the impact of Covid-19.

The sales performance of the delivery business offset the lower sales within Dominos’ lockdown-impacted collection business.

In terms of order counts, delivery growth was 6.8% in the quarter, with collection now trading at 65% of 2019 levels.

The disposal of its discontinued businesses in Sweden and Iceland is expected to complete by the end of May.

Dominic Paul, chief executive, said: “We are pleased with the strong performance of the business in the first quarter of the year. The investments we are making to deliver our multi-year strategic plan give us confidence in our ability to capitalise on the opportunities which lie ahead as the nation begins to emerge from the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.”

“With management focused on our core UK & Ireland business, we are working to fulfil our vision of being the UK & Ireland’s favourite food delivery and collection business. I look forward to sharing an update on our progress at our half year results.”