Majestic, the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, has toasted its best-ever Christmas trading performance after helping thousands of new customers discover wines, beers and spirits that they loved during the festive season.
Majestic recorded an 8.1% uplift in total sales in the eight weeks to December 25, boosted by the opening of six new stores during 2023 and the strong performance of its rapidly growing B2B division, Majestic Commercial.
Retail sales grew compared to the same period the prior year, as Majestic’s stores served 63,000 new customers ahead of the holidays. Sales to on-trade operators also surged as Majestic Commercial delivered on its award-winning range and market-leading service when it mattered most for 2,300 pubs, bars, restaurants and hospitality venues across the UK.
Friday 22 December became the biggest day of trading in Majestic’s 43-year history, with customers leaving it late to stock up on wines, beers and spirits for the holiday season. Majestic’s award-winning ranges and reputation for quality drove footfall into stores, where its highly qualified colleagues were on hand to help customers discover something special to serve up at festive celebrations. Fine Wine sales rose by more than 13% as customers traded up to treat their family and friends over Christmas and New Year.
The sparkling Christmas performance rounds off another year of progress and investment for Majestic, following its separation from Naked Wines plc and acquisition by Fortress Investment Group in December 2019. During 2023, Majestic invested further in opening six new stores, refurbishing its existing estate, improving its IT systems, introducing fully electric delivery vehicles, and recruiting and developing its people – helping more than 400 colleagues secure WSET qualifications.
Commenting on Christmas trading and the outlook for 2023, Majestic CEO John Colley, said: “This was a record-breaking Christmas for Majestic in which we achieved higher sales and served more customers than ever before. Even during tougher times when consumers’ budgets are tight, it’s clear that customers trust Majestic’s quality, range, expertise and customer service – particularly at important occasions like Christmas.
“It took a monumental effort from Majestic colleagues across our stores, Commercial teams, distribution network and our Support Centre to deliver such a cracking Christmas for our customers and our business. This result would not have been possible without their team spirit, passion and dedication, and my thanks go to every single one of our colleagues.
“2024 is shaping up to be another difficult year for consumers with further increases in the cost of living, but our focus remains on doing what we do best – offering quality, unique products and helping even more customers discover fantastic wines, beers and spirits. We have a strong balance sheet and will continue to invest in growth, with more exciting new stores planned this year, starting with Marlow and Christchurch in the Spring.
