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King’s Cross: Strongest retail performer in the network in the latest quarter |
UK. Network Rail station retail sales grew by +6.1% year-on-year in the quarter from April to June 2014, outperforming the high street average (+1.1% according to the British Retail Consortium) in the period, said the rail company. It was the ninth quarter in a row of retail sales increases at Network Rail’s 19 managed stations.
Recently redeveloped station King’s Cross delivered a+15.5% surge in spend year-on-year, the best result by an individual station. Liverpool Lime Street station was close behind with a +14% rise with Cannon Street rounding out the top three at close to +10% growth.
Stations in Scotland also recorded steady growth with Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central stations rising by +5.7% and +4.7% respectively.
Hotel Chocolat, Isle of Flowers and The Harry Potter Shop and specialist foods from Wasabi, Nampo, Mi Casa and Patisserie Valerie led the growth by brand with double-digit sales increases. Last week, Dutch discount retailer Hema opened its first UK store as part of the refurbished Victoria Place Centre in Victoria Station with Frankie & Benny’s, Joy, Ed’s Easy Diner, Café Rouge and The Fresh Pizza Company also rejuvenating the new station retail environment.
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The Parcel Yard at King’s Cross won Best Individual F&B Concept at a Rail Station at the FAB Awards 2014, organised by The Moodie Report |
Network Rail Commercial Director of Retail Hamish Kiernan said the growth points to the changing habits of the modern customer: “We’re working with our retailers to improve the quality and range of shopping experiences and offerings at our stations. You have to work hard to keep pace with the constant evolution of this sector, and as these results show, we are getting the mix right.
“Stations are now destinations not just to travel but where people want to meet, eat and shop. Importantly as a tax-payer funded organisation, all our profits from our commercial activities are reinvested to deliver a better railway for Britain.”
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“Stations are now destinations not just to travel but where people want to meet, eat and shop,” said Network Rail Commercial Director of Retail Hamish Kiernan |
