NETWORK RAIL has released station retail sales results showing growth of 7.8 per cent in like-for-like sales from September to December 2013.

Network Rail said it was the most successful quarter for retailers at its managed stations on record and a significant outperformance over high street sales, which rose by just 0.6 per cent in the same period.
 
The company said the growth had highlighted the growing demand for convenience retailing and 'the power of stations to deliver consistently lucrative trading environments for British retailers'.

Hamish Kiernan, commercial director of retail, Network Rail, said: “Station trading continues to grow dramatically, significantly outpacing the high street. Guaranteed footfall and convenience are key drivers of this growth and both are great selling points for the railway. Stations offer a vibrant and healthy trading environment and we are continuing to attract new brands to meet the needs of passengers and local communities alike.”

Network Rail’s latest trading figures were compiled from the sales results of retailers operating in over 46,000 square metres of retail space (520 units and shops). More than a billion people pass through Network Rail's 16 managed stations each year.

Top performing stations included London King’s Cross (+26 per cent), followed by Manchester Piccadilly (+10.7 per cent) and London Liverpool Street (+8.7 per cent) when compared to the same period last year. Trading at London King’s Cross is benefiting in particular from the new western concourse, which was opened in the spring of 2012.

Specialist food (+15.8 per cent) performed best, followed closely by dining (+14.1 per cent). Other top performing categories included pubs and bars (+13.9 per cent) and health & beauty (+12.7 per cent).

High performing brands included Wasabi (+19 per cent), Paperchase (+16 per cent), Body Shop (+14 per cent), Boots (+12 per cent), Hotel Chocolat (+12 per cent), Caffe Nero (+8 per cent), M&S (+8 per cent) and Oliver Bonas (+8 per cent).