Network Rail retail sales jump 12.6% in Q4

Network Rail retail sales have increased 12.6% in Q4 across the portfolio of 19 managed stations throughout Great Britain.  

During the same quarter, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) tracked 2% growth in like-for-like sales highlighting a strong performance at Network Rail destinations. Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) figures show that over 405 million journeys were made in the quarter, generating rail passenger revenues of £2.58bn. 

Across all 19 stations, total retail sales in Q4 of £199.6m delivered an increase of 10% compared to Q4 2019/20, which represented an £18.2m growth on pre-pandemic levels. Network Rail’s annual retail sales for the year surpassed £842m and were 2% ahead of 2019/20.   

Sales performances were supported by the opening of 16 stores and F&B outlets across Network Rail stations in Q4. Openings included five new brands to the Network Rail portfolio. BrewDog opened its first craft beer bar, with Chopstix, Change Group, InMotion and Aspen Flora also joining the Network Rail portfolio. 

Across Network Rail destination stations, Liverpool Lime Street was the best performing station for the quarter with LFL brand sales up 33.1%.

All five regions across the Network Rail portfolio experienced growth in LFL sales, with the “strongest” rise coming in Scotland (23%). 

Hamish Kiernan, commercial director, property at Network Rail, said: “We’re highly encouraged by our sales figures for Q4. As brands continue to invest in our stations, welcoming new businesses and store formats means our customers and communities continue to benefit from an attractive mix of retail and F&B.”