Coles and Woolworths Liquor Sales Up

Coles and Woolworths reported first quarter FY17 sales results for their liquor businesses this week. The results showed sales increased by 2.9 per cent for Coles’ food and liquor business, while Endeavour Drinks Group sales were up by 3.8 per cent.

Sales were reported at $7.9 billion at the end of the quarter for Coles food and liquor. The business’ Managing Director, John Durkan, said it was satisfied with the result.

“The liquor business achieved its fourth consecutive quarter of growth in comparable store sales, led by the continued improvement in Liquorland’s performance,” Mr. Durkan said. “It is pleasing to see the business maintain the positive sales momentum that was established in the prior year as we continue to progress our transformation strategy.”

During the quarter, Coles closed four of its liquor stores and opened eight new stores. The Coles liquor business is now made up of 869 liquor stores and 89 hotels.

Endeavour Drinks Group sales growth increased sales in the quarter to $2.0 billion. The company said growth was driven by BWS and Dan Murphy’s through Father’s Day promotional activity, AFL & NRL Finals, and favourable weather in July and August

The business said, “The liquor market remained competitive with strong activity around key sporting events with continued investment in price and promotional activity to sustain market share growth. We experienced positive growth across both retail formats with Dan Murphy’s growth in Beer and Spirits the highlight.”

Three new Dan Murphy’s stores were opened during the quarter including the new Dan Murphy’s Wine Cellar in Prahran, Melbourne, bringing the total number of stores to 210. The business also opened nine BWS stores and closed five, ending the quarter with 1,283 stores.

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