The latest quarterly figures (Q4 covering January to March 2024) released by Network Rail Property have revealed a like-for-like (LFL) retail sales* increase of +12.6% across its retail 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 2023/2024 surpassed £842m and were +2% ahead of 2019/20.
Strong 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%.
| Top five performing Network Rail stations for Q4 LFL sales growth | |
| Station | LFL Sales Growth % |
| Liverpool Lime Street | +33.1% |
| Glasgow Central | +32% |
| Bristol Temple Meads | +30.4% |
| London Charing Cross | +24.4% |
| Clapham Junction | +19.6% |
All five regions across the Network Rail portfolio experienced growth in LFL sales, with the strongest rise coming in Scotland (+23%).
Sustained sales growth underlines Network Rail’s retail strategy delivering a great experience for customers. Over the last year, Network Rail has taken proactive steps to diversify the station experience, introducing 30 new brands to its portfolio and curating a balanced offering across its city centre locations. Income generated through retail and F&B is key to Network Rail’s wider reinvestment into the transformation of Britain’s railways.
Hamish Kiernan, commercial director, property at Network Rail, comments: “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.”
*Retail sales covers retail, F&B and grocery brand sales.
