Network Rail retail sales climb 3.8%
Network Rail has reported that station retail sales for July to September 2011 rose 3.85% on a like-for-like basis compared to the same period last year.
The results were slightly up on the previous quarter (April to June 2011), which recorded 3.7% growth in like-for-like sales.
The figures were compiled from the results of retailers operating from over 540,000 sq ft of retail space at 17 of Britain’s biggest and busiest stations owned and operated by Network Rail.
Gatwick Airport, Waterloo and Birmingham New Street achieved the best results of the period with increases of 31.16%, 10.51% and 5.80% respectively.
Network Rail’s head of retail Gavin McKechnie said: “Our figures continue to outperform the high street in this challenging economic climate thanks to investment in rail and growth in passenger numbers, providing retailers with a competitive trading environment in stations.
“We are always looking at new opportunities to improve the retail offer by creating more space and introducing a wider choice of brands to our stations.”
All profit from Network Rail’s retail activity is re-invested in the railway.
