Dominos devours quarter
Diners shunning weekend evenings out in favour of sitting in front of the TV to watch shows such as the X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing have served up a Christmas sales surge for Domino’s Pizza.
The chain said it would deliver better-than-expected full-year profits as individual sales rose 8.6 per cent in the 13 weeks to December 27.
Total sales jumped 15.6 per cent to £112.4million.
A spokesman said: “People have stayed in more to watch these shows and to stay out of the cold weather.” Trade was boosted by “short-term tactical promotions”, a push on online sales and marketing campaigns including TV show Britain’s Got Talent.
Domino’s, which has 608 outlets in the UK and Ireland, said it had opened a record 55 new premises in 2009 creating 1,500 new jobs.
Chief executive Chris Moore said: “We are delighted to be in such a strong position and have much to look forward to this year.”
Shares rose 4¾p to 305¼p.