Chilly temperatures hit JD Wetherspoon

20th Jan 2010 07:33

Britain's recent cold snap hit sales at pubs group JD Wetherspoon with many customers reluctant to brave the snow and ice.Sales at pubs open for more than a year fell by 0.3% in the 12 weeks to 17 January, with the last two weeks being affected by adverse weather conditions, the group said.For the 10 weeks to 3 January 2010 like for like sales increased by 1.2%, compared to 0.3% growth in the first quarter to 25 October 2009.JD said it expects operating margins for the half year ending 24 January 2010 to be in line with the same period last year, with the benefit from lower energy costs being off-set by a higher level of repairs expenditure.Looking ahead the group added, "With continuing sales growth and an increased opening programme, we remain confident of the company's prospects for the financial year ending 25 July 2010."