Network Rail sees 12.6% sales boost across retail portfolio

Network Rail has recorded a 12.6% increase in like-for-like sales across its retail portfolio during the quarter covering January to March 2024 (Q4).

Across all 19 of its stations, total retail sales reached £199.6m in Q4, a year-on-year increase of 10% and a growth of £18.2m compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Network Rail’s annual retail sales for 2023/24 surpassed £842m, 2% ahead of 2019/20.

These 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 joining Network Rail’s portfolio, with BrewDog, Chopstix, Change Group, InMotion, and Aspen Flora all opening for the first time within its stations.

Across Network Rail destination stations, Liverpool Lime Street was the best performing station for the quarter, with LFL brand sales up 33.1% in Q4.

All five regions across the its portfolio experienced growth in like-for-like sales, with the strongest rise coming in Scotland (+23%).

Hamish Kiernan, commercial director, property at Network Rail, said: “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.”