Greggs set to trial late-night opening hours

Greggs set to trial late-night opening hours

Greggs have announced plans to launch a trial of late-night opening hours in selected locations across the UK.

A few branches already open late with great success. Westminster’s shop closes at 11pm and Newcastle has a store open until 9pm on some nights.

The announcement comes along with reports of a steep rise in sales and profits, owing to the success of the vegan sausage roll. Profits in the first six months of year have risen from £24.1m to £36.7m!

Total sales increased to £546m (15%). Like-for-like sales* seen a 10% increase.

Greggs have said the new vegan sausage roll was exceptionally popular and very quickly became a top seller. More typical baked goods have also continued to generate good sales. Fairtrade coffee, breakfast items and new hot food options have also increased sales. The bakery giant has also tested a click and collect service. 

Chief executive, Roger Whiteside, said: "We've converted ourselves from a traditional bakery business to a modern food-on-the-go brand with new shops, extended seating, extended trading hours, wi-fi, better products, better value and we're more in touch with where the customers are today."

Greggs have been opening around 100 new outlets per year and have another 2500 planned. Most of these will be located at transport hot spots and office parks.

 

*Like-for-like sales represent sales figures which exclude new opening etc 

 

Emma Richardson