// Majestic sales jumped 21.1% against pre-pandemic levels, or 0.2% against last Christmas
// The retailer kept a lid on inflation, with prices 2% cheaper than last year
Majestic sales surged 21.1% against pre-pandemic levels as it achieved the second-biggest Christmas in its 42-year history.
Over the eight week trading period to December 26, sales edged up 0.2% against last year, when sales were boosted as consumers shunned bars and restaurants due to the rise of the Omicron virus.
The drinks retailer said it had achieved record market share despite heavy promotional activity across supermarkets.
Majestic managed to keep a lid on inflationary pressures with prices across its wines, beers and spirits 2% cheaper than last year.
Sparkling wine and champagne helped drive sales growth as office Christmas parties and family get-togethers returned over the festive period.
English Sparkling wine sales rose 19% while cava soared 29%. Meanwhile, the winter World Cup helped drive a year-on-year jump in beer sales.
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Customers left it to the last minute to snap up their festive tipples as the retailer recorded its busiest-ever trading day on 23 December.
Majestic said the strong Christmas performance marked “another year of transformation”, after it was taken back to private ownership in 2019 after separating from Naked Wines.
Since then, with the backing of Fortress Investment Group, Majestic has returned to growth and stability and the 200-store retailer has invested in bricks and mortar, opening 12 new shops over the past three years.
It plans to open five new stores in 2023, including new sites in Harpenden, Bournemouth and Saltash, as it aims to add 20 new branches to its estate.
Majestic CEO John Colley said: “Even when budgets are tight, our discerning customers demonstrated that the value, expertise, quality, experience and delivery service of Majestic means we are the best place for customers to find wines they will love.
“We are under no illusions as to how tough the next 12 months will be, but I am more confident than ever that we have the right strategy and backing in place to emerge from the cost-of-living crisis as an even stronger business.”
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