Domino's benefits from online boom

Pizza delivery chain Domino’s Pizza today announced an increase in sales over 2005 after ordering online became increasingly popular.

The Milton Keynes-based firm, which has more than 400 franchise outlets, said results would be ahead of expectations after sales lifted 7.1% in the 52 weeks to January 1, from 6.6% over the same period in 2004.

Around 11.5% of sales were generated by its e-commerce business, where customers find their nearest branch on the company’s website or Sky interactive television channel, and can place a delivery order using their keypad or remote control.

Domino’s said the platforms proved particularly popular over the Christmas period, when the division’s sales grew 56.6%.

Fifty new stores also opened during 2005, which chief executive Stephen Hemsley said fully met the company’s targets and left him confident it would deliver results ahead of market expectations on February 27.