Domino's tops expectations after strong sales

Domino’s Pizza unveiled a forecast-beating performance today after cold weather and hit television shows encouraged customers to stay at home.

The delivery and takeaway chain, which has 608 stores in the UK and Ireland, said like-for-like sales rose 8.6% in the 13 weeks to December 27, despite tough comparatives with the same period a year earlier.

It forecast profits ahead of expectations and said it had created 1,500 new jobs after opening a record 55 new stores over the last year.

As well as the trading boost from customers staying at home to watch weekend shows such as 'X-Factor' and 'Strictly Come Dancing', the company said trade was boosted by the use of short-term tactical promotions.

A spokesman added that the cold weather before Christmas also helped as customers chose to stay at home rather than venture to shops or restaurants.

Domino’s said it generated more business over the internet, with over a third of all orders taken online during one week in October.