British shoppers boost Fortnum & Mason sales over Christmas

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 12, 2018

Unlike other luxury department stores, Fortnum & Mason continues to be an attractive shopping destination for British shoppers, its festive results revealed on Friday.

While high-end retailers like Harrods and Selfridges are increasingly relying on demand from Middle Eastern and Asian shoppers, 77% of sales at Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly flagship store were from domestic customers in December.

The retailer’s luxury beauty, homeware and gifting ranges are still highly relevant to British consumers – an impressive accomplishment given the currently gloomy consumer backdrop.

In the five weeks to December 31, the heritage department store increased like-for-like sales by 13%, with growth across all three London stores. Additionally, its online website recorded a 23% increase in sales during the period.

The group said it was its most successful Christmas ever.

“Of course we are pleased by the continuing growth across all channels but we take great pride in the fact that at a time when the high street is under pressure, our stores, restaurants, bars and quality products are being enjoyed by our domestic customers more than ever,” said chief executive Ewan Venters.

The CEO attributed the success to the “high quality of customer experience we deliver in-store”.

The results follow last year’s soaring figures, with Fortnum & Mason announcing a 14% increase in sales to £113 million for the year to the end of July. Pre-tax profit surged 23% to £7.6 million.