Record Christmas sales for nightclub operator Deltic

Party-goers bought tens of thousands of bottles of fizz this Christmas, according to UK nightlife group Deltic which revealed record sales in its latest trading update.

Like for like sales grew 8.2% in the final four weeks to December 31st 2017, said Deltic, which operates around 57 UK venues such as Oceana in Southampton, Chicago’s in Basildon and Atik in Edinburgh.

Christmas party bookings predictably rose by 20%, while Deltic claims it has a “record” New Year’s Eve with 76,500 admissions into clubs and bars and sales totalling £2.4m, up 2.6% from the same period last year.

The record growth, announced earlier this week, follows the company’s most recent results filing at Companies House.

Back in 2017, Deltic’s results showed it had made an overall loss, despite admissions actually rising at venues in the year to February 2017.

Deltic said that rising trend for premium experiences on nights out was behind the record spike at the end of the year. Chief executive Peter Marks said that the company has focused more attention on its premium services and products in the run-up to Christmas, and is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme to keep up with consumers’ tastes.

Marks said: “We’ve seen a strong trading period in December, with total sales up 8.2% on the previous year, and a record New Year’s Eve. This follows a fantastic student fresher’s season and Halloween.

“The strong performance was further aided by the refurbishment programme that continues to yield great results, and the focus on entertainment and premium service and products. It is anticipated that the first full refurbishment programme will be completed over the coming financial year.

“I believe that our recent performance reflects the Group’s quality brands, well invested estate, industry leading central sales and social media campaigns and dedication to customer service, in tune with the appetite amongst consumers for great nights out, particularly on special occasions.”