Domino's stunning pizza the action delivers the goods
Domino's Pizza's Irish and UK operations recorded almost 18pc like-for-like sales growth in the six weeks to the end of December, with the chain's online sales booming by more than 100pc in the same period.
The pizza business operates a total of 501 stores, with 34 of those in the Republic of Ireland and 12 in the North.
The trading statement by Domino's Pizza UK and Ireland is in direct contrast to much of the bad news which has emanated from the retailing sector in the past week, from firms such as DSG and Next.
The UK arm of Domino's also said its online sales during 2007 topped £32.2m (€43.2m), more than 60pc higher than in 2006. Total like-for-like sales in 2007 were up 14.7pc, compared with a 9.7pc rise in 2006.
Newly appointed chief executive Chris Moore said 2007 had been a "tremendous" one for the company and that it will continue to pursue its plans to have 1,000 stores within the next 10 years.
A spokeswoman for the company said there was no specific update on how Irish operations had performed but she said they remain a "big driver" for Domino's growth.
The pizza firm has had a long-running and successful relationship with television channels such as Sky, where it sponsors 'The Simpsons', while this year the company plans to spend £18m on advertising, up from £13.5m in 2007.
It also beat analyst expectations by opening 50 stores during 2007. It had been slated to open 45.
An analyst with Altium Securities described Domino's performance as "stunning" and said investors have "yet to appreciate the true strengths of the Domino's model and proposition".
The growth in Domino's sales came despite a warning that rising cheese and flour prices may affect its performance.
In November, it said that it would not pass on a price rise in the cost of mozzarella cheese in order to guard market share. Its shares were trading at £1.79 yesterday, up over 2pc.
- John Mulligan
