Network Rail has announced a growth of 2.3 per cent in total retail sales across its managed stations during the Christmas period.
The firm said the results illustrated passengers’ need for convenience shopping when commuting.
The figures also reflect the trading period between November 10 and December 22 and show growth of 0.6 per cent in like-for-like sales despite a difficult wider trading environment.
Meanwhile, Network Rail recorded more than £93.8 million in sales during the six weeks leading up to Christmas.
There was also a one per cent increase in retail footfall, comparing favourably against results in the latest BRC-Springboard and Vacancies Monitor, which showed that overall UK retail footfall was down by 2.6 per cent.
“We are committed to delivering a positive experience for the 900 million people who use our stations each year, and therefore any decisions we make around our retail portfolio are centred on what our passengers want,” Network Rail Property managing director David Biggs said.
“Of course, there are wider challenges in the retail market and this has affected some retailers, but today’s results show that our strategy is paying off and that convenience is most definitely king, with station retail continuing to outperform the high-street.
“This is also at a time that we are investing in and upgrading our stations, which impacts on retail.
“However, this will have long-term positive effects – helping the railway to grow and improve for passengers, whilst creating great places for communities to thrive.”
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